The Indian diaspora comprising over 32 million people worldwide is a vibrant and diverse community that maintains strong cultural and economic ties with India contributing significantly to global development.

Challenges faced by the Indian Diaspora – 

1. Dual citizenship poses a challenge as India’s restrictive laws force individuals to choose between Indian citizenship and foreign nationality, impacting identity, rights and connections.
2. Voting rights are a challenge as only Non Resident Indians (NRIs) can vote, requiring prior registration and physical presence at polling booths . This restricts participation especially with an estimated 18 million NRIs globally and limited voter turnout around 120,000 registered voters .
3. Property rights pose a challenge as Non Resident Indians (NRIs) face complexities in owning, managing and transferring assets in India due to stringent laws and regulations.

Government’s efforts to address Indian diaspora concerns – 

1. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) is a scheme offering visa free travel, investment and education benefits to diaspora members with Indian ancestry, strengthening ties with India.
2. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is an annual event (January 9) connecting India with its diaspora fostering engagement, recognition and addressing concerns through conferences, awards and networking.
3. Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards honor exceptional diaspora individuals for outstanding contributions to India’s development, social services and community welfare promoting connectivity and recognition.
4. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a scheme granting lifetime Indian visa, travel benefits and economic rights to diaspora members, fostering connection and engagement with India.

The Indian diaspora’s global presence fuels India’s growth, bridges cultures and strengthens international ties by showcasing resilience, diversity and vibrant heritage,thereby enhancing India’s reputation and influence worldwide significantly.

The Indian diaspora a vibrant and influential global community of over 32 million plays a decisive role in leveraging India’s economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. Through business, innovation, culture and expertise, they foster international partnerships, attract investments and promote India’s global stature and strategic relationships.

Major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora –

1. Cultural identity challenges through language loss, cultural dilution and generational disconnect from heritage and traditions overseas.
2. Consular issues challenge through visa delays, documentation hurdles and inadequate support during emergencies and crises abroad.
3. Dual citizenship challenges with limited rights, restrictive laws and unclear policies hindering full integration and participation.
4.  Security concerns challenges through threats of terrorism, xenophobia, racism and geopolitical instability in host countries overseas.
5. Employment challenges through visa restrictions, job insecurity, limited social security benefits and unfair labor practices abroad.

Steps taken by India to enhance engagement of Indian Diaspora –

1. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is India’s annual event honoring diaspora’s contributions, fostering connectivity and strengthening ties with Non Resident Indians.
2. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is India’s dedicated division for connecting with and supporting its global diaspora community .
3. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme grants lifelong visa, travel and work benefits, bridging Indians abroad with homeland ties.
4.  Know India Program (KIP) is a 3 week initiative for diaspora youth to connect with Indian culture, heritage and roots.
5. Swarna pravas Yojana enhances employability of Indian workers abroad through skill development, training and certification, ensuring better overseas opportunities.
6. Social Security Agreements are bilateral treaties that enable Indian diaspora to access benefits, totalize insurance periods and avoid dual contributions in host countries, fostering economic ties and cooperation .

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a $62 billion project connecting China’s Xinjiang to Pakistan’s Gwadar port through infrastructure, energy and trade routes, boosting regional connectivity but sparking concerns over sovereignty, security and economic competition.

Impact of CPEC on India’s strategic interest-

1. CPEC’s passage through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) undermines India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and Kashmir claims fueling longstanding border disputes and regional tensions.
2. Chinese naval presence at Gwadar port threatens India’s energy security, maritime trade and regional stability, potentially encircling India with Chinese military influence.
3. Diverts trade from Indian ports, attracts investments away from India and creates unequal economic competition, potentially undermining India’s regional economic dominance and growth.

India’s response and efforts to counter Chinese influence in the region of CPEC –

1. India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “Act East” policies counter Chinese influence in the CPEC region by fostering economic and strategic ties with neighboring countries, promoting regional connectivity and enhancing cooperation with Southeast Asia.
2. India counters Chinese influence in CPEC through economic measures by investing in regional connectivity, promoting trade with neighbors and offering alternative infrastructure financing options such as the Asia Africa Growth Corridor, to reduce dependence on China.
3. India counters Chinese influence in CPEC through security initiatives including military modernization, naval expansion, joint exercises with neighboring countries and strategic partnerships with the US, Japan and Australia.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) strengthens China’s presence in South Asia, sparking regional tensions. India responds with strategic diplomacy, economic partnerships and security measures to safeguard its interests and regional balance.

India’s diaspora communities abroad play a vital role in connecting India to its neighbors. They boost trade, investment and cultural exchange & fostering growth and cooperation. As cultural ambassadors, they share India’s values and traditions strengthening people to people ties and enhancing regional relationships.

Challenges in leveraging the diaspora factor in India’s neighbourhood policy – 

1. Dual loyalty as a conflicting allegiances of diaspora communities between their country of origin (India) and residence.
2. The emigration of skilled Indian professionals to neighboring countries depleting India’s talent pool and hindering development potential.
3.  Diaspora communities’ difficulties adapting to host countries’ cultures, laws and societies hindering effective engagement with India’s policies.
4. Vulnerability of Indian diaspora to terrorism, espionage and geo political tensions in host countries threatening India’s national interests.
5.  Difficulty synchronizing efforts between Indian government, diaspora organizations and individuals hindering effective policy implementation and outreach efforts.

Opportunities in leveraging the diaspora factor in India’s neighbourhood policy – 

1. Diaspora driven investments, remittances and trade promote India’s economic expansion, create jobs and foster regional prosperity and cooperation.
2. Diaspora facilitates people to people ties sharing India’s heritage, arts and values with neighboring countries promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
3. Indian diaspora shares expertise, technology and innovation with India and neighboring countries driving collaborative development and regional progress.
4. Promotes India’s cultural, educational and democratic values enhancing its global influence and neighborhood relationships through goodwill.

In conclusion, diaspora communities are a valuable asset for India offering economic, cultural and social benefits. Engaging with them effectively can strengthen regional ties, foster cooperation and boost India’s global influence.

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava. They can be either intrusive (formed below the earth’s surface) or extrusive (formed above the earth’s surface).Granite, Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice, Gabbro and Andesite are common examples.

Igneous rocks extensively cover India’s western (Gujarat, Maharashtra) and southern regions (Kerala, Tamil nadu) with granite and basalt formations prominent.

Characteristics of Igneous Rocks –

1. Igneous rocks exhibit varied textures, colors and densities with coarse to fine grains and hardness ranging from 5-7 on Mohs.
2. Contain silicate minerals like quartz, feldspar and mica with accessory minerals such as zircon and magnetite present.
3. High silica (40-70%) and variable alkali content with ferromagnesian minerals containing iron, magnesium and calcium.
4. Igneous rocks display jointing, fracturing, vesicles and phenocrysts with textures ranging from glassy to porphyritic and pyroclastic features.

Uses of Igneous Rocks –

1. Used as dimension stones aggregates for concrete, building stones, road construction materials and railway ballast due to durability and strength.
2. Used industrially for granite countertops, basalt fiber production, pumice abrasives, insulation, concrete reinforcement and manufacture of cosmetics and dental products.
3. Igneous rocks host uranium, copper, gold and silver deposit & provide geothermal energy with granitic rocks storing thermal energy for power generation purposes.
4. Serve agriculturally as soil conditioners, improve fertility and filter water while controlling erosion with riprap and supporting landscaping and gardening applications.
5. Used ornamentally as gemstones, monumental stones for sculptures and memorials, decorative aggregates for landscaping and dimensional stone for architectural features.
6. Igneous rocks aid scientific research in geochronology, petrology and geophysics, providing data on Earth’s formation, evolution and internal structure through radiometric dating.

Igneous rocks serve as a versatile and invaluable resource, providing essential materials for construction, energy, industry and agriculture, supporting human development and sustainability worldwide continuously.