ROLE OF INDIAN DIASPORA IN FOREIGN POLICY

ROLE OF INDIAN DIASPORA IN FOREIGN POLICY

GS-2, Unit-3, Sub Unit-2, HPAS Mains

India’s diaspora — one of the largest in the world — has become a crucial pillar of the country’s global engagement and diplomacy. With over 32 million people of Indian origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) spread across continents, the Indian diaspora plays a multifaceted role in shaping India’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and cultural influence. From remittances and trade to soft power and strategic partnerships, the diaspora acts as both a bridge and a force multiplier for India’s global aspirations.

Understanding the Indian Diaspora

• The Indian diaspora includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who hold Indian citizenship and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who have foreign citizenship but maintain ancestral roots in India.
• They are spread across regions such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Gulf countries, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Over centuries, Indian migration has evolved from indentured labour in colonial times to modern professionals, entrepreneurs, and scholars who now influence global economies and policies.
• This diverse and skilled community serves as a vital link between India and their host countries.

Diaspora as an Economic Asset

• The Indian diaspora contributes massively through remittances, which are among the highest in the world — over $120 billion annually.
• These inflows boost India’s foreign exchange reserves and support millions of families back home.
• Many overseas Indians invest in startups, real estate, and trade ventures, helping to strengthen economic ties between India and other nations.
• Through initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), the government encourages diaspora-led investment and innovation.
• Highly skilled professionals, especially in technology and healthcare sectors, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to India.

Diaspora as a Source of Soft Power

• The Indian diaspora plays a central role in spreading India’s cultural heritage globally.
• Yoga, Ayurveda, Indian festivals, cuisine, and cinema have gained global acceptance due to diaspora promotion.
• Cultural associations and community organizations abroad help preserve Indian traditions while showcasing them internationally.
• Bollywood and Indian arts gain immense popularity through diaspora audiences, enhancing India’s soft power appeal and global image.

Political and Strategic Influence

• Indian-origin individuals hold key political positions globally, such as Tharman Shanmugaratnam (President of Singapore, 2023–present).
• Their presence boosts India’s global prestige and opens doors for diplomatic cooperation.
• Diaspora advocacy groups, like the US–India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), promote India’s interests in international forums.
• Their influence has helped advance cooperation in areas like nuclear energy, defense, education, and trade.

Diaspora in Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance

• The diaspora actively participates in relief work during natural and humanitarian crises.
• During the Kerala floods (2018) and COVID-19 pandemic, they raised funds and sent medical aid to India.
• Diaspora networks also helped India during evacuation operations such as Operation Rahat (Yemen) and Operation Ganga (Ukraine).
• Their humanitarian actions reflect India’s global image as a compassionate and responsible nation.

Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Relations

• Diaspora communities act as informal ambassadors, promoting goodwill between India and their host nations.
• In the Gulf region, millions of Indian workers contribute to both India’s remittances and the local economies, influencing India’s energy and labour diplomacy.
• In Africa and Southeast Asia, old Indian communities help maintain strong cultural and trade ties.
• The Indian-American community plays a major role in shaping the India–US strategic partnership, especially in technology, education, and defense sectors.

Institutional Efforts to Engage the Diaspora

• The Indian government has created several initiatives to strengthen diaspora connections:
  • Overseas Indian Affairs Division under the Ministry of External Affairs
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) to celebrate diaspora contributions
  • Know India Programme (KIP) to help younger generations connect with their heritage
  • Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) for lifelong visa and investment opportunities
• These efforts mark a shift from viewing the diaspora as merely economic contributors to treating them as partners in national development and diplomacy.

Challenges in Diaspora Diplomacy

• The diaspora is diverse, with varying interests and priorities depending on region and generation.
• Some host countries are sensitive about India’s engagement with their citizens of Indian origin.
• Low-skilled workers, especially in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, often face labour rights issues and exploitation.
• Balancing diaspora influence while respecting host country sovereignty remains a diplomatic challenge.

The Road Ahead

• India increasingly views its diaspora as a strategic pillar of foreign policy.
• Strengthening educational, technological, and cultural links will deepen bilateral cooperation.
• Diaspora members can play a key role in areas like climate action, innovation, and global governance.
• As India rises as a global power, its diaspora will remain a symbol of trust, talent, and shared values across the world.

Conclusion

The Indian diaspora has evolved from a scattered community into a strategic partner in shaping India’s foreign policy. Through their economic strength, political influence, and cultural impact, they enhance India’s standing on the global stage. By combining government initiatives with active diaspora engagement, India is building a modern diplomacy rooted in ancient connections.
The diaspora is not only India’s global family but also a key force shaping its identity and influence in the world.