Answer

India’s diaspora, estimated at 32 million (MEA, 2023), enhances soft power and contributes to economic growth via remittances (highest globally at $111 billion in 2022, World Bank). However, dual citizenship, restricted by the Indian Constitution (Article 9), raises concerns about national sovereignty, political integrity, and security risks, necessitating a critical evaluation of global practices.

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Indian Diaspora Contributions: Enhancing India’s Soft Power and Economic Growth

• Cultural Ambassadors: The Indian diaspora promotes Indian culture, traditions, and festivals globally, enhancing India’s soft power and fostering bilateral cultural ties.
  For example: The International Day of Yoga, driven by global Indian communities, showcases India’s cultural influence worldwide.
• Economic Boost: Diasporic Indians contribute through remittances, investments, and fostering trade between India and host countries, strengthening the economy.
• Technological Expertise: Diaspora professionals in IT and other fields bring technological innovations and expertise to India, bridging knowledge gaps.
  For example: CEOs like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft) spearhead collaborations with India in tech sectors.
• Political Advocacy: Diasporic communities lobby for India’s interests in international forums, improving India’s global standing and relationships.
  For example: The Indian-American lobby influenced the US to pass the Civil Nuclear Agreement with India in 2008.
• Academic & Research Ties: Indian-origin academics contribute to global research networks, aiding India’s academic collaborations and intellectual contributions.
  For example: Renowned economist Abhijit Banerjee won a Nobel Prize, bringing recognition to India’s intellectual prowess.

Challenges of Dual Citizenship: Threats to National Sovereignty and Political Integrity

• Divided Loyalties: Dual citizenship may lead to conflicts of political loyalty, undermining the sovereignty of Indian decision-making processes.
• Political Interference: Granting political rights to dual citizens could result in external influences on domestic governance, affecting political integrity.
• Economic Manipulation: Dual citizens might exploit economic privileges without contributing to India’s tax or economic structure comprehensively.
• Legal Complications: Conflicts in laws between India and other countries due to dual citizenship could lead to jurisdictional disputes.
  For example: Issues like extradition could arise when dual citizens commit crimes in India but claim rights under foreign citizenship.
• Security Concerns: Dual citizens might pose a security risk, potentially acting as agents of foreign powers during conflicts.
  For example: Intelligence breaches could occur if dual citizens misuse access to sensitive Indian information.

Implications of Dual Citizenship: Within India’s Constitutional Framework and Global Practices

• Constitutional Clarity: India’s Constitution does not recognize dual citizenship, maintaining a clear distinction between citizens and non-citizens for political integrity.
  For example: Article 9 of the Indian Constitution bars dual citizenship to avoid divided loyalties.
• Safeguarding Sovereignty: Retaining single citizenship upholds India’s sovereignty, preventing potential misuse of political rights by individuals with dual allegiances.
• Global Practices: While nations like the US permit dual citizenship, they impose strict loyalty oaths to ensure allegiance to their state.
  For example: The US requires an oath of allegiance from naturalized citizens, prioritizing loyalty to the United States.
• Democratic Participation: Allowing only single citizenship ensures that Indian citizens with undivided loyalty make political decisions.
  For example: India’s voting rights remain limited to those with sole Indian citizenship, preserving political integrity.
• Diaspora Engagement: Mechanisms like the OCI scheme enable economic and cultural participation without granting political rights, balancing inclusion with sovereignty.
  For example: The OCI card allows visa-free travel and property purchase but excludes voting or holding office.

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India can enhance diaspora engagement by strengthening the OCI framework with improved rights, promoting investment, and cultural ties. Drawing from global practices, conditional models or regional collaborations could balance inclusion with sovereignty. Long-term institutional mechanisms can position the diaspora as India’s global ambassadors without compromising constitutional safeguards or national integrity.

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