DIASPORA

Published on 07 Jan 2025

Diasporas have emerged as powerful entities since they are recognized as ‘soft power’ in the realm of foreign policy strategy and also as an agent or catalyst of economic development of countries of origin besides their active role in the host countries.

Indian diaspora refers to a group of people who are currently living outside India, whose origin can be traced back to India. It includes both NRI and Overseas Citizens of India, which also encompasses Persons of Indian Origin. According to the World Migration Report, by 2022 there are around 17.9 million citizens born in India living overseas. UAE is the most preferred destination, followed by the USA and Saudi Arabia.

Significance of Indian Diaspora

• Economic

• Influential Minority: The Indian diaspora is the wealthiest minority in several developed nations, providing them with the leverage to advocate for favourable terms regarding India's interests.

• Example: Comprising only 1% of the U.S. population, the Indian community is recognized as the most educated and affluent minority.

• Skilled and Unskilled Labor Migration: The migration of both skilled and less-skilled labour, particularly to West Asia, has played a role in reducing disguised unemployment in India.

• Remittances: Migrants' remittances contribute positively to India's balance of payments, helping bridge a widening trade deficit.

• Example: India received the highest ever foreign inward remittances in a single year of $89,127 million in FY 2021-22.

• Cross-National Networks: Indian migrant workers, by establishing cross-national networks, facilitate the flow of tacit information, commercial and business ideas, and technologies into India.

• Political 

• Representation: Individuals of Indian origin hold significant political positions globally

• Example: Kamala Harris serves as the Vice President of the US, Priti Patel served as the Home Secretary in the United Kingdom

• Influence on Policy Decisions: The political clout of India's diaspora is evident in its role in swaying legislators to support critical initiatives.

• Example: The India-U.S. nuclear deal.

• Administrative: No clear policy on diaspora is in place in India, despite their socio-economic contributions. 

• Foreign Policy 

• Diaspora as Soft Power: The Indian diaspora serves as both a component of India’s soft power and a transferable political vote bank.

• Example: Modi's Madison Square Garden reception underscores the vital role of the Indian-American community in his campaign and election funding.

Challenges faced by diaspora

• Heterogeneous Diaspora: The Indian diaspora presents varying demands to the Indian Government based on their locations and contexts.

• Example: The Gulf diaspora seeks welfare support, the US diaspora seeks investment opportunities, and communities in Fiji and Mauritius aim for cultural reconnection.

• Anti-Globalization: The increasing anti-globalization sentiment has led to a surge in suspected hate crimes against the Indian community abroad.

• Example: A 21-year-old student shot dead in Toronto.

• West Asian Crisis: The West Asian crisis, coupled with falling oil prices, raises concerns about a potential mass return of Indian nationals, affecting remittances and job market demands.

• Negative Campaigning: India has faced issues like negative campaigning and foreign funding for separatist movements.

• Example: Khalistan movement

Recommendations by the Standing Committee on External Affairs 

• Policy for Diaspora Engagement: Draft a comprehensive policy document to guide interactions with the diaspora.

• Database on Indian Diaspora: Encourage diaspora registration to facilitate effective implementation of welfare schemes.

• Emigration Management Bill: Expedite the introduction of the Emigration Management Bill, 2022.

• Grievance Redressal Portals: Streamline resolution and emphasize the use of the CPGRAMS portal for effective grievance redressal.

• e-Migrate portal: Digitizes the emigration process via electronic platforms for employers, workers, and the Indian Government officials overseeing the global deployment and recruitment process

• Rehabilitation of Workers: Develop a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme in coordination with relevant authorities.

• Skilling of Migrant Workers: Improve domestic skilling quality and standardize curricula to meet destination countries' requirements.

• Students in Ukraine and China: Grant one-time exemptions for returnee students and allow those in China to complete internships in India.

• NRI Marriages: Complete consultations and enact a law for the protection of NRI women.

• One Stop Centres: Promptly implement the One Stop Centres scheme to assist distressed NRI women.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
DIASPORA soft power NRI Overseas Citizens of India migration Remittances e-Migrate portal

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
International Relations