Indian Diaspora is integral to the vision of developed india: President Droupadi Murmu

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13 Jan Indian Diaspora is integral to the vision of developed india: President Droupadi Murmu

Posted at 13 Jan 2025 in Current Affairs by
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GS-2-International Relation- Indian Diaspora is integral to the vision of developed india: President Droupadi Murmu

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Key fact of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and theme Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

FOR MAINS

What is the role of the Indian diaspora in promoting Indian national interest? various challenges associated with the Indian diaspora across the world and steps taken to address these challenges.

Why in the news?

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the valedictory session of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, celebrating the significant contributions of the Indian Diaspora across various fields. She praised their global impact, noting their achievements in technology, medicine, arts, and entrepreneurship. The President also congratulated the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees and recognized Her Excellency Christine Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, for her leadership and support for the Indian Diaspora. President Murmu emphasized that the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has become a key platform for strengthening ties between India and its global community, fostering collaboration and idea exchange.

Indian diaspora:

The Indian diaspora is one of the largest and most widespread communities in the world, with an estimated 21 million people of Indian origin residing in over 200 countries.
1. United States: One of the largest Indian communities, with over 4 million people.
2. Saudi Arabia: Home to approximately 2.5 million people of Indian origin.
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE): The Indian population here is also around 3 million.
4. Malaysia: Around 2 million people of Indian origin.
5. Myanmar: Around 1.5 million people.
6. United Kingdom: Around 1.5 million people.
7. Sri Lanka: Approximately 1 million people of Indian descent.
8. South Africa: Nearly 1.5 million people.

Economic Impact: Remittances

The Indian diaspora is a major contributor to India’s economy, particularly through remittances. In 2021, India received approximately $87 billion in remittances, making it the largest recipient globally. The United States is the largest source of these remittances, followed by countries in the Middle East and other regions.

Government Schemes and Programs

1. Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): Offers registration, rights, and procedures for individuals of Indian origin.
2. Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC): Provides scholarships for students in fields like engineering, technology, and humanities.
3. Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA): Facilitates admissions to top Central Engineering institutions for Foreign Nationals, PIOs, and NRIs.
4. Diaspora Services Division: Offers comprehensive information on programs and schemes for overseas Indians.

Role of Indiana diaspora to promote Indian national interest:

1. Economic Contributions: The diaspora contributes significantly through remittances, business investments, and job creation, supporting India’s economic growth.
2. Cultural Influence: By promoting Indian culture globally, including yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional arts, the diaspora enhances India’s soft power and fosters global appreciation for its heritage.
3. Political Advocacy: Many diaspora members hold influential positions abroad, advocating for India’s interests and shaping favourable policies.
4. Diplomatic Relations: The diaspora strengthens India’s ties with host countries, fostering cooperation in trade, education, and technology.
5. Soft Power Diplomacy: The diaspora promotes India’s values and interests internationally, bolstering its global influence.
6. Philanthropy: They contribute to India’s development in areas like education, healthcare, and rural welfare through charitable efforts.
7. Security and Strategy: The diaspora can influence security matters and support India’s strategic interests on the global stage.

Challenges and issues faced by the Indian diaspora:

1. Discrimination: The Indian diaspora can face prejudice and racism based on their ethnicity and skin colour. Discrimination can limit social mobility and make it difficult to integrate into mainstream society. 
2. Identity crisis: The pressure to assimilate into the host culture while also maintaining ties to Indian heritage can create an identity crisis. 
3. Non-acceptance of qualifications: Indian immigrants may face challenges in getting their qualifications and work experience accepted. For example, they may need to get additional certifications or licenses to work in certain countries. 
4. Consular issues: The Indian diaspora may complain about mistreatment, intimidation, and demands for illegal gratification from immigration officials. 
5. West Asian crisis: The volatility in West Asia and the fall in oil prices have caused fears of a large return of Indian nationals. This could curtail remittances and create demands on the job market. 

Way to make Indian  diaspora as torchbearers of Indian diplomacy:

1. Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: Organize regular interactions through events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Appoint diaspora figures as cultural and business ambassadors to bridge India’s foreign policy with host countries.
2. Empower Policy Advocacy: Establish advocacy channels for diaspora groups to lobby for India’s interests. Encourage diaspora members to engage in local politics to influence decisions beneficial to India.
3. Leverage Economic Power: Facilitate diaspora investments in key Indian sectors like technology and infrastructure. Use diaspora networks to promote trade and business collaborations between India and host countries.
4. Enhance Cultural Diplomacy: Promote Indian culture through festivals, exhibitions, and media engagements abroad. Encourage diaspora participation in celebrating Indian heritage and traditions globally.
5. Harness Technological Expertise: Collaborate with diaspora professionals to promote digital growth and technological innovation in India. Increase India’s digital footprint by leveraging the diaspora’s tech skills.
6. Promote Educational Partnerships: Establish academic exchanges and collaborations between Indian and diaspora-led institutions. Foster global hubs for research and education, linking India with the world

Conclusion

The Indian diaspora is a powerful force driving India’s global influence across economics, culture, and diplomacy. By leveraging their contributions and overcoming challenges, India can enhance its position on the world stage. Empowering the diaspora ensures India’s continued growth and strategic importance internationally.

Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 13th Jan 2025

Prelims Question:

Q. With reference to the Indian diaspora, consider the following statements:
1. The Indian diaspora is estimated to consist of approximately 30 million people across 200 countries.
2. India is the largest recipient of remittances globally, receiving over $87 billion in 2021.
3. The United Kingdom has the largest Indian diaspora population, with over 5 million people.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None

Answer: B

Mains Question:

Q . Discuss the role of the Indian diaspora in promoting India’s national interest and highlight the challenges faced by this community. How can the Indian government strengthen its engagement with the diaspora to maximize their contribution to India’s global influence?

(250 words, 15 marks)

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