Home/upsc: indian diaspora/Page 3
- Recent Questions
- Most Answered
- Answers
- No Answers
- Most Visited
- Most Voted
- Random
- Bump Question
- New Questions
- Sticky Questions
- Polls
- Followed Questions
- Favorite Questions
- Recent Questions With Time
- Most Answered With Time
- Answers With Time
- No Answers With Time
- Most Visited With Time
- Most Voted With Time
- Random With Time
- Bump Question With Time
- New Questions With Time
- Sticky Questions With Time
- Polls With Time
- Followed Questions With Time
- Favorite Questions With Time
Evaluate the significance of the Indian diaspora's economic contributions to India's development, particularly in the areas of investment, remittances, and entrepreneurship. Discuss the challenges faced by the diaspora in effectively channeling their resources and the policy measures taken by the government to address them.
The Indian diaspora, scattered across the globe, plays a significant role in contributing to India's development through various avenues such as investment, remittances, and entrepreneurship. This contribution not only bolsters India's economy but also enhances its global connections and influence.Read more
The Indian diaspora, scattered across the globe, plays a significant role in contributing to India’s development through various avenues such as investment, remittances, and entrepreneurship. This contribution not only bolsters India’s economy but also enhances its global connections and influence.
Economic Contributions of the Indian Diaspora:
Remittances:
Financial Inflows: Remittances from the Indian diaspora constitute a substantial portion of India’s foreign exchange earnings. These funds are often directed towards supporting families back home, contributing to household income, and financing education and healthcare expenses.
Economic Stability: Remittances provide stability to India’s balance of payments and help mitigate external economic shocks by providing a steady inflow of foreign currency.
Investment:
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The Indian diaspora invests in various sectors of the Indian economy, including real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. Their investments contribute to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
Venture Capital and Start-ups: Diaspora members are increasingly involved in funding start-ups and innovative ventures in India, fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
Entrepreneurship:
Business Initiatives: Many members of the Indian diaspora are successful entrepreneurs abroad, leveraging their skills, networks, and capital to establish businesses in India. These ventures create employment opportunities, transfer knowledge and technology, and stimulate economic growth in their respective regions.
Challenges Faced by the Diaspora:
Regulatory and Administrative Hurdles:
Investment Regulations: Complex regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic procedures can deter diaspora members from investing in India. Streamlining regulations and improving transparency can encourage more investments.
Taxation and Legal Framework: Taxation policies, including the lack of clarity on tax liabilities, can pose challenges for diaspora investments and remittances.
Financial Infrastructure:
Remittance Costs: High transaction costs associated with remittances reduce the amount of money reaching recipients in India. Efforts to reduce these costs through technological innovations and improved financial infrastructure are essential.
Access to Financial Services: Limited access to banking and financial services in rural areas can hinder the effective utilization of remittances for development purposes.
Government Policy Measures:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD):
The Government of India organizes PBD to engage with the Indian diaspora, understand their concerns, and explore opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
Diaspora Bonds and Schemes:
Initiatives like the Resurgent India Bonds and Bharat Bond ETFs have been launched to mobilize diaspora investments in India’s infrastructure and development projects.
Ease of Doing Business:
The government has implemented reforms to improve the ease of doing business, simplify regulatory procedures, and enhance transparency, thereby facilitating diaspora investments and entrepreneurship.
Financial Inclusion:
Efforts are underway to promote financial inclusion and digital payments, which can reduce remittance costs and improve access to financial services for recipients in India.
See lessConclusion:
The Indian diaspora’s economic contributions through remittances, investments, and entrepreneurship play a crucial role in India’s development trajectory. Despite facing challenges related to regulatory frameworks and financial infrastructure, the diaspora continues to leverage its resources and networks to support India’s economic growth and social development. Government policies aimed at addressing these challenges and harnessing the potential of the diaspora are essential for maximizing their impact on India’s economic prosperity in the coming years.
Evaluate the impact of the Indian diaspora's political engagement and advocacy in host countries on India's foreign policy and international relations. Discuss the potential for the diaspora to serve as a bridge between India and its global partners.
The political engagement and advocacy of the Indian diaspora in host countries have increasingly influenced India’s foreign policy and international relations. This impact arises from the diaspora’s ability to shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and build bridges between India and itsRead more
The political engagement and advocacy of the Indian diaspora in host countries have increasingly influenced India’s foreign policy and international relations. This impact arises from the diaspora’s ability to shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and build bridges between India and its global partners. Here’s an evaluation of this impact, along with a discussion of the diaspora’s potential to serve as a bridge:
Impact on India’s Foreign Policy and International Relations
1. Shaping Public Opinion:
Advocacy and Awareness: The diaspora’s political engagement helps raise awareness about India’s policies, achievements, and issues within their host countries. Advocacy campaigns and community outreach can influence public opinion and foster a positive image of India.
Media Influence: Diaspora members often engage with local media to highlight issues affecting India or to advocate for bilateral cooperation. This media presence can shape narratives and contribute to a favorable perception of India.
2. Influencing Policy Decisions:
Lobbying Efforts: Diaspora communities in influential countries engage in lobbying efforts to advocate for policies that benefit India. They can influence legislators and policymakers, shaping bilateral relations and promoting favorable trade, investment, and diplomatic agreements.
Political Contributions: Financial contributions and support from the diaspora to political candidates and parties can affect political decisions and priorities in host countries, potentially aligning with India’s strategic interests.
3. Strengthening Bilateral Relations:
Diplomatic Channels: The diaspora acts as a diplomatic asset by facilitating dialogue and cooperation between India and host countries. Their engagement in cultural, business, and community activities strengthens bilateral ties and fosters mutual understanding.
Conflict Resolution: In cases of diplomatic tension or conflict, diaspora members can play a role in mediating or resolving issues through community engagement and dialogue, contributing to improved relations.
4. Economic and Trade Relations:
Business Networks: The diaspora’s business networks and investments contribute to economic relations between India and host countries. By promoting trade and investment opportunities, the diaspora supports India’s economic interests and strengthens bilateral economic ties.
Trade Advocacy: Diaspora entrepreneurs and business leaders advocate for trade policies that benefit India, helping to open new markets and create economic opportunities for Indian businesses.
Potential for the Diaspora to Serve as a Bridge
1. Facilitating Diplomatic Engagement:
Cultural Diplomacy: The diaspora can act as cultural ambassadors, fostering cultural exchanges and understanding between India and host countries. Their participation in cultural events, festivals, and community activities enhances India’s soft power and diplomatic outreach.
Official and Unofficial Channels: Diaspora members can serve as unofficial intermediaries, facilitating dialogue and cooperation between Indian officials and their counterparts in host countries. Their connections and influence can help advance diplomatic objectives.
2. Promoting Economic Collaboration:
Investment Opportunities: The diaspora can connect Indian businesses with investment opportunities in host countries and vice versa. They play a crucial role in promoting economic collaboration, facilitating joint ventures, and encouraging bilateral trade.
Business Relations: By leveraging their networks and expertise, diaspora members can assist in establishing and nurturing business relationships, contributing to economic growth and development.
3. Advocacy and Policy Influence:
Policy Advocacy: The diaspora’s engagement in advocacy and lobbying can influence policy decisions in host countries, aligning them with India’s interests. Effective advocacy efforts can lead to favorable policies, trade agreements, and diplomatic support for India.
Public Diplomacy: Diaspora efforts in public diplomacy, such as organizing events and participating in discussions, can enhance India’s international standing and support its foreign policy goals.
4. Enhancing Regional and Global Ties:
Regional Cooperation: The diaspora can promote regional cooperation and understanding, especially in areas where India has strategic interests. Their engagement can support India’s efforts to build regional partnerships and enhance its influence.
Global Networks: The diaspora’s global networks and connections provide India with valuable insights and opportunities for engagement on a broader scale. They can facilitate India’s participation in international forums and global initiatives.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Diverse Diaspora Interests:
Varied Agendas: The diaspora is diverse, with varying interests and agendas. Aligning these diverse interests with India’s foreign policy objectives requires careful coordination and engagement strategies.
2. Political and Cultural Sensitivities:
Host Country Dynamics: Political and cultural sensitivities in host countries can impact the effectiveness of diaspora advocacy. Navigating these sensitivities requires diplomatic skills and an understanding of local contexts.
3. Influence and Representation:
Varied Influence: The influence of diaspora communities varies based on their size, economic power, and political engagement. Ensuring effective representation and leveraging their influence requires targeted efforts.
4. Balancing Interests:
Conflicting Interests: Balancing the interests of the diaspora with India’s broader foreign policy objectives can be challenging. Managing potential conflicts and aligning interests requires strategic planning and diplomatic finesse.
Conclusion
The political engagement and advocacy of the Indian diaspora significantly impact India’s foreign policy and international relations:
Public Opinion and Policy Influence: The diaspora shapes public opinion and influences policy decisions in host countries, contributing to favorable bilateral relations and strategic outcomes.
Economic and Trade Relations: The diaspora supports economic collaboration, trade, and investment, enhancing India’s economic interests and bilateral ties.
Diplomatic and Cultural Bridges: The diaspora serves as a bridge between India and its global partners, facilitating diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
Opportunities include leveraging the diaspora’s influence for advocacy, strengthening economic ties, and enhancing diplomatic relations. Challenges involve managing diverse interests, navigating political and cultural sensitivities, and balancing conflicting interests.
A strategic approach to engaging the diaspora can maximize its potential to support India’s foreign policy objectives, enhance international relations, and build bridges between India and its global partners.
See lessDiscuss the Indian government’s efforts to engage with the Indian diaspora in the context of its Act East policy, particularly in strengthening economic and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific region. Analyze the potential for the diaspora to serve as a bridge between India and its regional partners.
The Indian government's efforts to engage with the Indian diaspora play a crucial role in advancing its Act East policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The diaspora, comprising millions of people of Indian origin across various countries, can serve as a significantRead more
The Indian government’s efforts to engage with the Indian diaspora play a crucial role in advancing its Act East policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with the Asia-Pacific region. The diaspora, comprising millions of people of Indian origin across various countries, can serve as a significant bridge in enhancing economic and cultural connections between India and its regional partners. Here’s an analysis of how these efforts align with the Act East policy and the potential of the diaspora to facilitate deeper engagement:
Efforts to Engage with the Indian Diaspora
1. Diplomatic and Institutional Support:
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): The MEA and its agencies, such as the Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry, actively engage with the diaspora through various programs and initiatives. These efforts include organizing diaspora-focused events, fostering connections with local communities, and supporting Indian expatriates in their host countries.
Consular Services: Indian embassies and consulates offer consular services to the diaspora, including assistance with visas, legal matters, and community support. They also serve as a point of contact for maintaining cultural and economic links.
2. Cultural and Community Engagement:
Cultural Diplomacy: The Indian government promotes Indian culture and heritage through festivals, cultural exchanges, and community events in Asia-Pacific countries. These activities help build cultural bridges and strengthen India’s soft power in the region.
Diaspora Organizations: India collaborates with diaspora organizations, such as the Indian Community Associations and cultural groups, to promote cultural awareness and engage in community-building activities.
3. Economic Initiatives:
Investment Opportunities: India encourages diaspora investment in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and healthcare. Programs like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) provide a platform for diaspora entrepreneurs and investors to connect with Indian businesses and explore investment opportunities.
Trade and Business Networks: The Indian government facilitates trade and business networks between Indian companies and diaspora entrepreneurs, enhancing economic ties and promoting bilateral trade and investment.
4. Educational and Professional Connections:
Academic Collaborations: India fosters educational exchanges and collaborations with institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging the diaspora’s expertise and networks. Initiatives include scholarships, research collaborations, and academic partnerships.
Skill Development: Engaging with diaspora professionals and experts can support skill development and knowledge transfer in various fields, including technology and innovation.
Potential for the Diaspora to Serve as a Bridge
1. Economic Linkages:
Investment Facilitation: The diaspora can play a pivotal role in facilitating investment from Asia-Pacific countries into India. They often have the resources and networks to connect Indian businesses with potential investors and partners in their host countries.
Trade Promotion: Diaspora entrepreneurs and business leaders can act as intermediaries in trade relations, promoting Indian products and services in the Asia-Pacific market and fostering bilateral economic cooperation.
2. Cultural Diplomacy:
Cultural Ambassadors: The diaspora serves as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Indian traditions, art, and values in the Asia-Pacific region. This cultural exchange enhances mutual understanding and appreciation between India and its regional partners.
Community Integration: Engaging with local communities through cultural and social activities helps build positive relations and promote a favorable image of India in the region.
3. Policy Advocacy and Influence:
Advocacy: Diaspora organizations and leaders can advocate for policies that benefit India and its regional partners. Their influence can help shape public opinion and foster supportive policies in host countries.
Strategic Insights: Diaspora members, with their knowledge of both Indian and regional contexts, can provide valuable insights and advice on strategic issues, enhancing India’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Diverse Diaspora Needs:
Varied Interests: The diaspora is diverse, with varying interests, professional backgrounds, and cultural affiliations. Addressing these diverse needs and interests requires tailored engagement strategies and policies.
2. Geopolitical Sensitivities:
Regional Dynamics: Geopolitical sensitivities and regional dynamics can impact diaspora engagement. Navigating these complexities requires careful diplomacy and strategic alignment with regional partners.
3. Integration and Influence:
Integration Challenges: Diaspora members may face challenges in integrating into their host countries while maintaining strong ties with India. Supporting their integration and ensuring their effective participation in diaspora activities is essential.
Influence Limitations: While the diaspora can influence bilateral relations, their impact is contingent on their ability to navigate local political and economic environments and align with broader strategic goals.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s engagement with the Indian diaspora is a key component of its Act East policy, aiming to strengthen economic and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific region:
Economic Ties: The diaspora facilitates investment, trade, and business networks, enhancing economic cooperation and growth.
Cultural Bridges: Through cultural diplomacy and community engagement, the diaspora promotes mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Policy and Advocacy: Diaspora members provide valuable insights and advocacy, supporting India’s strategic objectives and fostering positive relations.
Opportunities for further leveraging the diaspora include enhancing economic collaboration, expanding cultural initiatives, and utilizing their expertise for policy advocacy. Challenges involve addressing diverse needs, navigating geopolitical sensitivities, and managing integration and influence dynamics.
A strategic approach to engaging the diaspora can maximize its potential as a bridge between India and its regional partners, supporting the broader objectives of the Act East policy and enhancing India’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
See lessAnalyze the significance of the Indian diaspora’s engagement in India’s cultural diplomacy, including their role in promoting Indian arts, music, and cinema globally. Discuss the government’s initiatives to leverage the diaspora’s cultural influence and soft power.
The Indian diaspora serves as vibrant cultural ambassadors and plays a pivotal role in India's cultural diplomacy by showcasing Indian music, cinema, and art on a global stage. Embracing Bollywood's worldwide appeal and traditional performances, these cultural emissaries amplify India's cultural splRead more
The Indian diaspora serves as vibrant cultural ambassadors and plays a pivotal role in India’s cultural diplomacy by showcasing Indian music, cinema, and art on a global stage. Embracing Bollywood’s worldwide appeal and traditional performances, these cultural emissaries amplify India’s cultural splendour, bolstering the nation’s soft power—a concept introduced by Joseph Nye that emphasizes influence through cultural and political means over coercion. The Indian government harnesses this diaspora dynamism via the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), orchestrating cultural festivals, scholarships, and exchanges, and celebrates their contributions through Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Moreover, establishing cultural centres worldwide further extends the reach of Indian heritage.
However, a refined strategy is essential to fully tap into the diaspora’s potential and solidify India’s global stance. There’s a pressing need for cohesive policies that better support diaspora-driven cultural endeavours and fortify bilateral cultural ties. Such strategic enhancements promise to elevate India’s cultural prominence and pave the way for enriched international relations and a profound global comprehension of Indian culture and heritage.
See lessThe Indian diaspora plays a decisive role in leveraging India's economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. In this context, discuss the major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora and steps taken by India to enhance engagement with them.
Answer: India has one of the largest diaspora in the world with over 31 million people including over 13 million NRIs and 18 million Persons of Indian origin (PIOs) spread across the globe. The diaspora is one of the major sources of trade investment in India and a contributor to inflows of remittanRead more
Answer: India has one of the largest diaspora in the world with over 31 million people including over 13 million NRIs and 18 million Persons of Indian origin (PIOs) spread across the globe. The diaspora is one of the major sources of trade investment in India and a contributor to inflows of remittances, which helps in the balance of India’s current account. Moreover, they play a vital role in India’s soft diplomacy. For instance, the Indian diaspora played a critical role in the success of the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008. Major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora are the following:
Steps taken by India to enhance engagement with the diaspora population include:
The Indian government should leverage the bond by enhancing cultural, economic, and political engagement with the diaspora. Further, the need of the hour is to bring out a policy document on the diaspora to serve as a guiding principle for deeper and wider engagement with the diaspora community.
See lessDiscuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard.
Answer: India has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world, with over 30 million, including Non Resident Indians (NRI's) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO's). Championing India's cause on international issues and making a mark on the global stage economically, they are one of the most viRead more
Answer: India has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world, with over 30 million, including Non Resident Indians (NRI’s) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO’s). Championing India’s cause on international issues and making a mark on the global stage economically, they are one of the most vital components of India’s soft power. India’s diaspora can contribute significantly to each of the five pillars identified under our vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat i.e. economy, infrastructure, demography, democracy and supply chains. This is owing to the following:
India wants to leverage its diaspora to build greater domestic capacity and enhance its contribution to the world. However, there remain certain challenges existing in this regard:
The Indian government has taken various initiatives such as OCI Card Scheme, Ease of doing business, Know India program and Study India Program and Launch of informative projects etc. to facilitate greater interaction with our diaspora. However, there is a need for further incentivising and accommodating their expectations, if India wants to achieve the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
See lessThe Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a moment to reconnect and re-imagine new possibilities and a network to drive change, discover new ties, and develop new ideas. Comment.
Answer: The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a celebratory day observed on 9th January (which commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai) to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. Its 2023 theme 'Diaspora: Reliable partners for InRead more
Answer: The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is a celebratory day observed on 9th January (which commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai) to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. Its 2023 theme ‘Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal’ reflects how the Indian diaspora is acting as a soft power/ ‘rashtradoot’ for India. It is held that the event can create new possibilities and ideas and can act as a network to drive change and discover new ties in the following ways:
However, several challenges need to be addressed to encourage this partnership, such as:
- Less attractive to youth diaspora: Young diaspora who are born in the US and grew up there find the Indian lifestyle challenging and are less likely to return to India to start businesses.
- Limited capital resources: The profile of the Indian diaspora varies from the blue-collar workers in the Gulf to professionals in Silicon Valley. Even in the US, the diaspora does not contribute substantially in terms of capital resources to India’s development.
- Perceived bias in approach: Conventions such as the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan’ appear to be leaving out low/semi-skilled and blue-collar workers who may not find a place or feel. comfortable to participate in the said celebration as the general profile of the participants is seen to be that of achievers in distinct fields.
- Skill demand and supply match: There are changing demand patterns related to the kind of skills and professional qualifications that different countries will need over the next decade. India has to enable the dispora to learn these skills. In this regard, the government of India has taken several initiatives like the Know India Programme, GIAN (Global Initiative for Academic Network), VAJRA Faculty Scheme, Mission Shodh GANGA (Global Alliance for New Generation Acceleration), etc. to harness the energy and ideas of our diaspora.
See less