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Context

Diaspora holds immense untapped potential for advancing foreign policy, but the real challenge lies in India’s passive and outdated Diaspora Diplomacy.

What is Diaspora Diplomacy?

It is the strategic process by which a country leverages its overseas community (diaspora) to advance its national interests. It is a form of soft power that operates across multiple domains:

• Political: Influencing policy and political discourse in their host countries to create favorable outcomes for their country of origin.
• Economic: Driving investment, facilitating trade, sending remittances, and transferring technology and skills.
• Cultural: Acting as cultural ambassadors, promoting the country's heritage, values, and global image, thereby enhancing soft power.

Significance of Diaspora Diplomacy for India

Size and Remittances

Indian diaspora is the world's largest, with over 35 million people. They send home over $135 billion in remittances in 2024-25, making India the top recipient globally. This capital is crucial for India's foreign exchange reserves and supports millions of families.

Political Influence in Key Nations

In countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, the Indian diaspora has become a politically influential group. High-profile individuals in top positions—from corporate CEOs to senior political leaders—can shape policy debates and advocate for India's interests.

Ambassadors of Indian Soft Power

The diaspora acts as a living bridge between India and the world. They are the most effective promoters of Indian culture, from yoga and cinema to festivals and cuisine, building goodwill and a positive global image for India.

A Bridge for Technology and Innovation

Indian professionals in Silicon Valley and other global tech hubs are a vital source of knowledge, investment, and innovation. It supported India's IT industry and are key players in the startup ecosystem.

Challenges in Harnessing Diaspora Influence

Lack of a Professional State-Led Strategy

India’s engagement is often symbolic, lacking a sustained, professionally managed public diplomacy.

This differs sharply with countries like Pakistan, which, despite its internal challenges, has been more effective at framing narratives and mobilizing its diaspora to influence Western policy circles.

A Heterogeneous and Diverse Community

Indian diaspora is diverse in terms of religion, region, language, and political affiliation. This diversity is a strength, but it makes it difficult to mobilize the community to speak with a single, unified voice on contentious issues.

The "Dual Loyalty" Dilemma

Indian-Americans and other diaspora members are citizens of their host countries. They must balance their patriotic duties there with their emotional and cultural ties to India. India cannot expect them to function as its unpaid lobbyists, especially when their interests lie in the host country.

How Can India Strengthen Diaspora Diplomacy?

Shift from Event-Based to Institutional Engagement

While events like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are important, India must create permanent, professional platforms for policy consultation. It should actively identify and support credible diaspora organizations to engage with lawmakers, think tanks, and media in their host countries.

Invest in Professional Public Diplomacy and Lobbying

National interest cannot be left to volunteers. India must invest in top-tier lobbying and public relations firms in key capitals like Washington D.C. and Brussels to professionally manage its narrative, counter misinformation, and ensure its voice is heard.

Adopt a Segmented and Targeted Outreach

Recognize the diaspora's diversity by creating engagement programs for different segments—technologists, entrepreneurs, doctors, academics, and second-generation youth—to leverage their specific skills and networks.

Create an Enabling Ecosystem for Investment

India must make it easier for the diaspora to invest, innovate, and start businesses by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and creating a more transparent and supportive environment.

Conclusion

India must actively harness its global diaspora through modern diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and narrative building to amplify its voice and leadership on the world stage.

Source: INDIANEXPRESS