Answer

Introduction

The Indian diaspora, now the world’s largest at approximately 35 million (NRIs and PIOs), is no longer just a community of migrants but a “strategic extension” of the Indian state. By blending their cultural roots with host-country loyalty, they act as a potent force in shaping India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision and its emergence as a “leading power” in a multipolar 21st century.

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The Evolution of the Indian Diaspora

• The Colonial Wave: Between 1830 and 1917, over 1.5 million Indians were transported as indentured laborers to British colonies in the Caribbean, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
  Eg: The “Girmitiya” communities in Fiji, Mauritius, and Guyana became the bedrock of Indian cultural footprints in the Global South.
• The Post-Independence Brain Drain: The 1960s–70s saw a surge of highly skilled doctors, engineers, and scientists migrating to the US and UK for better opportunities.
  Eg: This “Brain Drain” phase laid the foundation for the dominance of Indians in global academia and Western professional services.
• The West Asian Oil Boom: The 1970s oil surge drew millions of semi-skilled and unskilled workers to the Gulf countries, primarily from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  Eg: Today, nearly 9 million Indians in the GCC provide the crucial labor force for the region’s infrastructure and services.
• The IT Revolution and Brain Gain: The 1990s and 2000s saw the “Brain Drain” transition into a “Brain Bank,” as IT professionals fueled the digital revolution in Silicon Valley and India.
  Eg: The success of Indian techies led to the establishment of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India, integrating the domestic economy with global value chains.

Significance in Shaping India’s Foreign Policy

• Strategic Lobbying and Advocacy: The diaspora acts as a “silent force” in the domestic politics of host nations, advocating for India’s core strategic and security interests.
  Eg: The US-India Civil Nuclear Deal (2008) was significantly pushed by the Indian-American community, who mobilized Congressional support for India.
• Bilateral Bridge-Building: High-ranking politicians of Indian origin facilitate smoother diplomatic dialogues and state-to-state partnerships.
  Eg: The presence of leaders like Kamala Harris (Former US VP) and former PMs like Rishi Sunak (UK) has institutionalized a high degree of trust in India’s Western alliances.
• Diaspora Diplomacy as Soft Power: The government has institutionalized engagement through the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), turning the diaspora into “cultural ambassadors.”
  Eg: The 18th PBD (Jan 2025) focused on leveraging the diaspora for technology transfer and promoting India’s “soft power” like Yoga and Ayurveda.
• Crisis Management and Safety: India’s foreign policy prioritizes the “safety of the last Indian,” leading to massive evacuation operations during global conflicts.
  Eg: Operation Kaveri and Operation Ajay demonstrate India’s commitment to its citizens abroad, strengthening the “bond of trust”.

Significance in Shaping Global Influence

• Economic Lifeline (Remittances): India remains the world’s top recipient of remittances, providing a stable source of foreign exchange and poverty reduction.
  Eg: In FY25 (2024–25), India received a record $135 billion in remittances,  registering  a 14 per cent growth from last year
• Leading Global Corporations: Indian-origin CEOs lead more than 20 Fortune 500 companies, placing India at the heart of global innovation and decision-making.
  Eg: Leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), and Arvind Krishna (IBM) influence global technology standards and AI ethics.
• Institutional Leadership: The diaspora now occupies leadership roles in premier multilateral institutions, enhancing India’s voice in global governance.
• Philanthropy and Social Impact: Overseas Indians are increasingly investing in their “villages of origin,” funding schools, hospitals, and clean energy projects.
  Eg: Over $7 billion has been invested by the diaspora in the GIFT City (Gujarat) to build India’s future financial hub.

Conclusion

The Indian diaspora is India’s “Living Bridge” that transcends geographical boundaries. In the 21st century, they have evolved from being “passive observers” to “active stakeholders” in India’s rise. By institutionalizing “Diaspora Bonds” and simplifying OCI privileges, India can ensure that its global family remains the most effective force multiplier in its journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047.

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