Indian Diaspora

16-05-2024

02:28 PM

GS II

Sub-Categories:

International Relations & Institutions

22 min read

Table of Contents

• What is the current status of the Indian Diaspora

• Who qualifies to be part of the Indian Diaspora

• What are the distinct characteristics of the Indian Diaspora

• What are the factors that led to a large Indian Diaspora

• What is the significance of the Indian Diaspora

• What are the various government initiatives to engage with the Indian Diaspora

• What are the measures needed for the welfare of the Indian Diaspora

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests,
Indian Diaspora.

What is the current status of the Indian Diaspora?

The Indian Diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 18 million people of Indian
origin living abroad.

• The US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Myanmar, the UK, Sri Lanka, South
Africa, and Canada host an Indian diasporic population of at least one million each.

• According to Global Migration Report 2020, India continues to be the largest country of
origin of international migrants, with a 17.5 million-strong Diaspora across the world.

• According to a World Bank Report, India received approximately 87 billion dollars in

remittances in 2021 with the USA being the biggest source, accounting for over 20% of these
funds.

Country Population of Indian Diaspora (approximate)

United Arab Emirates Around 3.5 million

 United States of America Around 2.7 million

Saudi Arabia Around 2.5 million

Malaysia Around 2 million

United Kingdom Around 1.4 million

Country Percentage of population (approximate)

Qatar Around 30.5 %

United Arab Emirates Around 27 %

Bahrain Around 19 %

Oman Around 18 %

Kuwait Around 17.5 %

Source Country Share in remittances

United States of America 23.4 %

United Arab Emirates 18 %

United Kingdom 6.8 %

Singapore 5.7 %

Saudi Arabia 5.1 %

Who qualifies to be part of the Indian Diaspora?

Indian Diaspora is a generic term used for addressing people who have migrated from the territories
that are currently within the borders of the Republic of India and settled in different parts of the
world. It constitutes NRIs (Non-resident Indians) and OCIs.

• Non-Resident Indian (NRIs): is a term that refers to an Indian citizen who resides outside
India 182 days in a financial year, but still maintains strong ties to their homeland.

• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) is a form of permanent residency available to people of

Indian origin and their spouses, which allows them to live and work in India indefinitely.

o People of Indian Origin (PIOs) are people of Indian birth or ancestry who are not
citizens of India but are citizens of other nations.

o The government of India merged the PIO under the OCI programme in 2015.
What are the distinct characteristics of the Indian Diaspora?

• Diversity: The Indian Diaspora is extremely diverse, comprising people from different
regions, religions, castes, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Large population: The Indian Diaspora is one of the largest in the world, with an estimated
18 million people living outside India.

• Economic success: Members of the Indian Diaspora are often highly educated and successful
in business and entrepreneurship, with many holding influential positions in their host
countries.

• Cultural preservation: Despite living in foreign countries, the Indian Diaspora has maintained
strong connections to their cultural roots and often celebrates their customs and traditions.

• Political involvement: Many members of the Indian Diaspora are involved in politics and
advocacy, both in their host countries and in India.

• Strong family values: Family is an important aspect of Indian culture, and this value is often
preserved among members of the Diaspora, who maintain close ties with their families in
India.

• Strong sense of identity: Despite being a diverse group, members of the Indian Diaspora
often share a strong sense of Indian identity and are proud of their heritage and culture.

What are the factors that led to a large Indian Diaspora?

India has one of the largest Diaspora populations in the world, estimated to be over 18 million. There
are several reasons why India has such a large Diaspora, including historical, economic, and social
factors.

• Historical factors: India was ruled by the British for over two centuries, and many Indians
were taken to various parts of the world as indentured laborers. These laborers were
brought to British colonies like Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji, and the Caribbean to work on
sugarcane plantations.

• Economical factors: India has been experiencing rapid economic growth in recent years, but
it has not been able to generate enough jobs to keep pace with its growing population. As a
result, many Indians have been forced to look for job opportunities abroad.

• Social factors: Indians are known for their strong family ties and support networks. This has
enabled many Indians to establish themselves in different parts of the world and create
successful businesses and careers.

• Other factors such as culture: India has a rich cultural heritage and traditions that have been
exported to different parts of the world through the Diaspora. Indian cuisine, music, dance,
and spirituality have all been embraced by people in different parts of the world.
What is the significance of the Indian Diaspora?

The Indian Diaspora is significant for several reasons:

• Economic contributions: Indian Diaspora members have started businesses, created jobs,
and invested in their home countries. They have also contributed to India's economy through
remittances. Ex: India being the largest receiver of remittances in the world

• Cultural influence: The Indian Diaspora has had a significant cultural influence on their host
countries. Indian food, music, dance, and clothing have all become popular in various parts
of the world due to the influence of the Indian Diaspora. Ex: Indian restaurants in America.

• Political impact: Indian Diaspora members have been elected to public office in various
countries, and they have used their positions to advocate for issues that are important to the
Indian community. Ex: UK Prime Minister

• Diplomatic relations: Indian Diaspora members have served as cultural ambassadors, and
they have helped to foster greater understanding and cooperation between India and their
host countries. Ex: Role of Indian Diaspora in India-Canada relations.

What are the various government initiatives to engage with the Indian Diaspora?

The Indian government has implemented a number of policies and initiatives to engage with the
Indian Diaspora and provide them with opportunities to connect with their roots and contribute to
the development of India. Some of these policies include

• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Scheme, 2005: This scheme allows foreign nationals of
Indian origin to apply for a lifelong visa to visit India without any restrictions on the duration
of stay, and also provides them with some other benefits, such as the ability to open bank
accounts, buy property, and invest in India.

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): This is an annual event organized by the Indian government
since 2003 to celebrate the contributions of the Indian Diaspora and provide a platform for
them to connect with each other and with India.

• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: It is the highest honour started in 2003, which is
conferred on NRIs, a PIO, or an organization or institution established and run by them.

• Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana 2006: It is a mandatory insurance scheme aimed at

safeguarding the interests of Indian emigrant workers falling under the Emigration Check
Required (ECR) category going for overseas employment to ECR countries.

• Swarna Pravas Yojana- New Plan Scheme: to increase Indian workers’ employability abroad
by giving them the necessary training.

• Tracing the Roots: to facilitate PIOs in tracing their roots in India.

• In addition to all of these, the government has made social security agreements with
numerous foreign nations to safeguard the Indian community in those nations.

• Voting rights for citizens abroad: It was through the Representation of the People
(Amendment) Act, 2010, that eligible NRIs were allowed to vote.
 • Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): The Indian government has established this fund to
provide financial assistance to Indian nationals in distress overseas.

• Know India Program: It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government
of India, that aims to familiarize young Indian Diaspora (aged between 18-30 years) with
their Indian roots and contemporary India.

What are the measures needed for the welfare of the Indian Diaspora?

Some measures that can be taken for the welfare of the Indian Diaspora are:

• Consular services: The Indian government should ensure that consular services are available
to Indian expatriates in all major countries. This includes issuing visas and passports, as well
as assisting Indian citizens in distress abroad.

• Employment opportunities: Encourage Indian companies to set up overseas operations and

create job opportunities for the Indian Diaspora. This would not only provide employment
but also foster a sense of belonging among Indians living abroad.

• Cultural programs: Organize cultural programs and events in foreign countries to promote
Indian culture and provide a platform for the Diaspora to connect with their roots.

• Legal assistance: The Indian government should provide legal assistance to the Diaspora in
case they face any legal issues in the foreign countries they reside in.

• Education: The Diaspora should have access to quality education, especially for their
children. This could include scholarships and subsidies for education, as well as special
programs to promote the learning of Indian languages.

• Financial assistance: The government can offer financial assistance to the Indian Diaspora in
times of crisis, such as natural disasters or emergencies.

• Health services: Facilitate access to health services for the Indian Diaspora, including
telemedicine services, health insurance, and health camps.

Previous Year Questions(PYQs)

Mains

Q) ‘Indian Diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and
European Countries’. Comment with examples. (2020)

Q) The Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and
society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (2017)

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q) Which country is the largest recipient of remittances in the world?

According to the World Bank, India is the largest recipient of remittances in the world in 2021. India
received $87 billion in 2021.

Q) What is Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana?

Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is a skill development initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs
(MEA) in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) and is
aimed at training and certification of the Indian workforce keen on overseas employment in select
sectors and job roles, in line with international standards, to facilitate overseas employment
opportunities.