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Introduction

The count of the Indian disapora has increased 10% from 15.9 million in 2015, making it the largest in the world, according to the UN’s International Migrant Stock. The Indian diaspora in the West becoming an influential community in several countries, notably the US, the UK, and Canada.  The diaspora not only showcases Indian culture but also contributes meaningfully to the societies they reside in, all while maintaining a strong bond with their Indian roots.

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Indian Diaspora has Scaled New Heights in the West as can be seen in these ways

• Prominent Positions in Government: Indian-origin politicians have been making headlines with their appointments to high offices. Eg: Kamala Harris’s election as the Vice President of the US and Rishi Sunak as the UK’s Prime Minister underscore the rising influence of the diaspora.
• Leaders in Tech Industry: The Silicon Valley and tech giants worldwide have witnessed the leadership prowess of Indian-origin individuals. Eg: Sundar Pichai steering Google and Satya Nadella at the helm of Microsoft shows Indian talent leading global technological innovation.
• Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs like Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, have made an indelible mark on the global business landscape. Similarly, Rajat Gupta‘s tenure as the Managing Director of McKinsey & Company highlights the business acumen of the Indian diaspora.
• Scientific Contributions: Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry and the President of the Royal Society in the UK, stands as a testament to the scientific achievements of the Indian diaspora.
• Media Representation: Fareed Zakaria, a prominent journalist and the host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS, and Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, highlight the Indian diaspora’s influence in shaping global narratives through media.
• Literary Contributions: Writers like Jhumpa Lahiri, with her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection “Interpreter of Maladies”, have showcased the richness of Indian storytelling on the global stage.

Economic Benefits for India

• Remittances: The Indian diaspora has consistently been a significant contributor of remittances globally. Recently, India received more than $100 billion in remittances, with a considerable chunk coming from the diaspora in Western nations.
• Investments: NRI and PIO entrepreneurs like Vinod Khosla and Rakesh Gangwal have made substantial investments in Indian startups and businesses, providing a substantial boost to the Indian economy.
• Technology Transfer: Notable figures such as Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella have facilitated technology transfers and collaborative innovations with Indian institutions, leveraging their positions in tech giants like Google and Microsoft.
• Educational Institutions: Individuals like Shiv Nadar have played a pivotal role in enhancing the educational landscape in India, founding institutions like the Shiv Nadar University that aims to offer world-class education in India.
• Market Expansion: Diaspora personalities like Indra Nooyi, during her tenure as PepsiCo’s CEO, worked towards expanding the global market for Indian products, bringing an assortment of Indian flavors to the global forefront.
• Promoting Indian Art and Craft: Individuals in the diaspora actively promote Indian art and craft. Eg: the UK-based “The Singh Twins” have been instrumental in showcasing Indian art forms in the international arena, offering a substantial platform for local artisans.

Political Benefits for India

• Bilateral Relations: It has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral relations with countries like the US and Canada. Prominent personalities like Nikki Haley and Kamala Harris have helped foster better understanding and cooperation between India and their respective countries.
• Representation in International Forums: Individuals like Gita Gopinath, the first woman Chief Economist of the IMF, play pivotal roles in international forums, thereby offering India a substantial voice on global platforms.
• Policy Inputs: The diaspora often provides crucial inputs in policy formulations in host countries. For instance, Indian-origin lawmakers in the UK have been vocal about India’s positions on various international issues, including supporting India’s stand on global platforms.
• Cultural Diplomacy: The diaspora aids in cultural diplomacy through the celebration of Indian festivals abroad, thus promoting Indian heritage and enhancing India’s global image.
• Lobbying: The diaspora has engaged in lobbying activities, influencing policies in Favor of India. Organizations like the US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) have been quite active in this regard.
• Diaspora Diplomacy: India has utilized diaspora diplomacy strategically to foster goodwill and stronger ties with host nations, partly facilitated through the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event.

Conclusion

The Indian diaspora in the West has ascended to remarkable heights, proving beneficial for India both economically and politically. Their achievements and contributions have not only elevated the community’s stature but have also turned into a bridge, fostering stronger relations between India and the world, weaving a narrative of success, integration, and cultural harmony.

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