Mains Marathon

• Start your answer by giving a brief introduction about Indian diaspora.
• Discuss the Significance of Indian Diaspora in strengthening relationship with the countries of the Africa.
• Give a fair Conclusion.

Answer:

According to Global Migration Report 2020, India continues to be the largest country of origin of international migrants with a 17.5 million-strong diaspora across the world, and it received the highest remittance of $78.6 billion (this amounts to a whopping 3.4% of India’s GDP) from Indians living abroad.

About 18 million strong Indian Diaspora plays an important factor in the bilateral relationship with the countries where they have a significant presence. They are the most important tool for India’s soft power diplomacy. Overseas Indians act as our unofficial ambassadors. The diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse, which makes it all the more important to unlock their potential. The destinies of India and its Diaspora are intertwined. It is in the interest of both India and her Diaspora to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Indian Diaspora in Africa is estimated to be 2.6 million strong and is spread to 46 countries. It is about 12 per cent of the total Indian Diaspora in the world. The largest concentration of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) is in South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion Islands, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, but the presence of PIOs and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in parts of west and North Africa also is becoming a notable phenomenon.

Significance of Indian Diaspora in strengthening relationship with the countries of the Africa:

• Job Opportunities:
  • In the post independent period, Middle East, Northern America and Western Europe emerged as favorite destinations for the highly skilled Indian immigrants. However, prevailing opportunities in Africa still attract significant number of Indian migrants. Majority of the new immigrants go there on temporary work permit and do not seek permanent citizenship. After working there for some time, they explore opportunities in Western countries, and as soon as they get a chance they emigrate from these countries.
  • Thus, majority of the Indian communities in Africa possess citizenship of their country of adoption and many among them have attained important positions. They could be crucial in strengthening India-Africa relations.
• Tourism:
  • With globalization as a given, international tourists are a country’s temporary ambassadors, besides being a source of considerable income.
  • Tourism promotion, both ways, should become a higher priority for industry and governments.
  • The number of Indian tourists to select African countries Mauritius, South Africa, east African countries has been increasing steadily, though slowly. India too is in a position to welcome a much larger number of African tourists.
  • What is needed is a coherent strategy that focuses on creating new civil aviation links, innovative tourism packages and a change in mindset. Both sides should realize that their countries have much to offer as attractive tourist destinations.
• Culture:
  • The role of art and culture as a means to bring the two peoples closer together has been rapidly increasing in scope and impact. Indian films, arts, dance, music, literature and crafts have reached in almost all parts of Africa. The African sibling duo tik-tokers Kili Paul and his sister Neema are an example influence of the Indian culture.

India's crafts, costumes and cuisine have left a deep impact in many African countries. The reverse inflow of African influences should not be ignored.