INDIAN DIASPORA

1. Context

Inaugurating the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indians living overseas are “brand ambassadors” of the country on foreign soil. Over the years, the convention, which began under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2003, has grown in size and scope, particularly since 2015, when the Ministry of External Affairs turned the event into a biennial affair.

2. Indian Diaspora: A Historical Overview

The term "diaspora" derives from the Greek word "diaspeiro," meaning dispersion.
Indian diaspora began with the "Girmitiya" arrangement, where Indians were taken as indentured laborers to countries in the East Pacific and Caribbean islands.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, British colonies faced a labor crisis due to the abolition of slavery in 1833-34. Thousands of Indians were shipped to these countries to work on plantations.
Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi highlighted that 2023 marks the 150th year since the first Indian migration to Surinam, emphasizing the historical significance of this diaspora.
Around 2 million Indians migrated to Singapore and Malaysia as part of the second wave, mainly working in farms.
Professionals from India migrated to Western countries, while workers went to Gulf and West Asian countries during the oil boom, representing the third and fourth waves of Indian migration.
The Indian diaspora has experienced significant growth and diversification over time, with different waves of migration contributing to its present-day global presence.

3. Classification of Overseas Indians

Non-Resident Indians (NRI):

NRIs are Indian citizens who reside in foreign countries.
They maintain their Indian citizenship while living abroad.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs):

The PIO category was abolished in 2015 and merged with the OCI category.
Existing PIO cardholders have valid cards until December 31, 2023.
PIOs are foreign citizens (excluding nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) who have had an Indian passport or have ancestral ties to India as per the Government of India Act, 1935.
Spouses of Indian citizens or PIOs also fall under this category.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs):

OCIs form a separate category established in 2006.
An OCI card is granted to foreign nationals who were eligible for Indian citizenship on January 26, 1950, or became Indian citizens on or after that date, or belong to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
Minor children of eligible individuals, except those who hold Pakistani or Bangladeshi citizenship, are also eligible for OCI cards.

The classification of overseas Indians includes NRIs, PIOs (merged with OCI), and OCIs. NRIs are Indian citizens living abroad, while PIOs had ancestral ties or an Indian passport. OCIs are foreign nationals eligible for or connected to Indian citizenship through specific criteria.

4. Indian Diaspora Statistics

As of December 31, 2021, the total number of Indians living overseas was 4.7 crore (47 million), including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and students.
According to the World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration, India has the largest emigrant population globally, making it the top-origin country. The ranking is followed by Mexico, Russia, and China.
Significant Indian diaspora populations exist in various countries worldwide.
Countries with over 10 lakhs (1 million) overseas Indians include United States of America: 44 lahks (4.4 million), the United Kingdom: 17.6 lakh (1.76 million), United Arab Emirates: 34 lakh (3.4 million), Sri Lanka: 16 lakh (1.6 million), South Africa: 15.6 lakh (1.56 million), Saudi Arabia: 26 lakh (2.6 million), Myanmar: 20 lakh (2 million), Malaysia: 29.8 lakh (2.98 million), Kuwait: 10.2 lakh (1.02 million), Canada: 16.8 lakh (1.68 million).
The Indian diaspora is widespread, with a significant presence in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and several others, making India the top origin country for emigrants worldwide.

Image Source: The Indian Express

5. Remittances and India's Position

Remittances serve as a crucial source of household income for low-and middle-income countries like India.
According to the World Bank, remittances contribute significantly to the economic well-being of recipient households.
The latest World Bank Migration and Development Brief (November 2022) highlighted that India is on track to receive more than $100 billion in yearly remittances, marking the first time a single country has reached this milestone.
The World Migration Report ranks India, China, Mexico, the Phillippines, and Egypt (in descending order) among the top five remittance recipient countries.
India and China stand out significantly ahead of the others in terms of remittance inflows.
In 2020, India and China received the highest amounts of international remittances in Asia, surpassing other countries.
The Combined total remittances for India and China exceeded $140 billion, according to the World Migration Report
Remittances play a vital role in India's economy, with the country expected to receive over $100 billion in yearly remittances. India and China lead in remittance inflows in Asia, indicating the significant impact of these financial transfers on the respective economies.

6. Political Engagement of the Indian Diaspora

The vocal political positions taken by a section of the Indian diaspora, particularly in the US and the UK, is a relatively recent phenomenon. This trend gained momentum in the early 2000s.
The Hindu Americal Foundation, a Hindu advocacy group based in the US, was established in 2003.
It represents the active participation of the Indian diaspora in shaping political discourse.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Convention was launched in 2003, coinciding with the establishment of the Hindu American Foundation.
Then Prime Minister Vajpayee emphasized the role of overseas Indians in projecting the truth about India and countering propaganda.
Prime Minister Modi continues to echo similar sentiments, urging Pravasi Bharatiyas (overseas Indians) to amplify India's development story.
He actively addresses large gatherings of the diaspora community during foreign visits, with many prominent oversea Indians organizing such meetings.
The political engagement of the Indian diaspora, especially in the US and the UK, has gained prominence in recent years.
The formation of the Hindu American Foundation and the launch of the Pravasi Bharatiya Convention in 2003 marked the beginning of this trend.
Prime Minister Modi encourages the diaspora to project India's achievements and plays an active role in connecting with overseas Indias during his foreign visits.

For Prelims: Indian Diaspora, Non-resident Indian(NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), "Girmitiya" arrangement, World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration, Pravasi Bharatiya Convention, and Hindu American Foundation.

For Mains: 1. How has the political engagement of the Indian diaspora, particularly in the US and the UK, evolved in recent years, and what factors have contributed to this phenomenon? (250 words).

Source: The Indian Express

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