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Indian Diaspora
Context:
India has opened a new resident mission in Riga, Latvia, effective July 25, 2024 which will enhance India’s diplomatic presence, strengthen political and economic ties, support bilateral trade, foster investments, and improve assistance for the Indian community in Latvia.
About Indian Diaspora:
- Indian Diaspora is a generic term used for addressing people who have migrated from the territories that are currently within the borders of the Republic of India.
- It constitutes NRIs (Non-resident Indians) and PIOs (Persons of Indian origins).
- The Indian Diaspora is estimated to be over 30 million.
Contribution of Indian diaspora:
- Economic contribution: India is one of the highest remittance acceptor by virtue of its large diaspora population.
- Cultural Impact: The Indian Diaspora has notably shaped the cultural landscapes of their host countries. Indian cuisine, music, dance, and attire have gained global popularity.
- Spread of Buddhism in Asian countries e.g. Japan, ASEAN etc have added to our soft power.
- Diplomatic & Security contribution :Indian expatriates often serve as unofficial ambassadors, advancing India’s interests worldwide e.g., they played a key role in advocating for the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.
- Political Impact: Members of the Indian Diaspora have been elected to public office in several countries, using their positions to champion issues significant to the Indian community. For example, the ex UK Prime Minister of Indian descent has been influential in addressing these concerns.
Challenges:
- Diplomatic Strain: Managing relations with host countries can be complex, especially when diaspora issues or conflicts arise, impacting bilateral ties. Eg Issue of H-IB visa during US president Trump regime.
- Security Concerns: Monitoring and addressing potential security threats posed by extremist elements within the diaspora or in their host countries can be challenging.eg Khalistani elements in Canadian diaspora.
- Evacuation Challenges: Ensuring the safety of evacuees amidst conflict zones, natural disasters, or unstable regions is a major concern, requiring effective security measures and risk assessments.
Indian Government schemes:
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): Since 2003, this annual event celebrates the Indian Diaspora’s contributions and provides a platform for them to connect with each other and with India.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Overseas Indian Day, is celebrated on January 9 by the Republic of India.
- This day honours the contributions of the Overseas Indian community toward India’s development. It commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915.
- Know India Programme: This Ministry of External Affairs initiative engages Indian-origin youth (ages 18-30) to increase their awareness of India, its cultural heritage, and contemporary aspects of the country.
- Online Services for Voters: This is a dedicated platform for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to register and manage their voting rights. It facilitates the registration of overseas electors and helps in applying for postal ballots.