UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach  Start with giving facts about Indian diaspora. Highlight its economic and technological contribution. Show how Indian diaspora has become major global political force. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Indian diaspora, estimated at over 35 million globally in 2024, has long beenrecognized for its significant contributions to technology, business, and economic development.However, in recent years, it has also emerged as a dominant political force, influencing policies in host nations and strengthening India's global stature.

Body

Indian Diaspora’s Economic and Technological Contributions

• Economic Impact
  • Remittances: India received $125 billion in remittances in 2023 (World Bank), the highest globally, supporting economic stability.
  • Business Influence: Indian-origin CEOs lead top multinational companies:
    • Sundar Pichai (Google)
    • Satya Nadella (Microsoft)
    • Arvind Krishna (IBM)
    • Shantanu Narayen (Adobe)
  • Entrepreneurial Success: Indian Americans, who make up 1% of the US population, own a third of all Silicon Valley start-ups.
    • About 8% of all high-technology firms in the US were founded by Indian Americans.
• Technological Leadership
  • STEM Dominance: Indians represent about 75% of H-1B visa holders in the US.
  • Research & Innovation: Indian-origin scientists and engineers play key roles in AI, space research (NASA, ISRO collaborations), and biotechnology.
  • Global IT Workforce: Indian IT professionals dominate Fortune 500 tech firms and Silicon Valley.
• Soft Power Influence
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Yoga, Bollywood, and Indian cuisine enhance India's global perception.
  • Educational Contributions: Indian-origin professors hold prestigious positions in global universities (Harvard, MIT, Oxford).

Indian Diaspora’s Political Emergence

• Rise of Indian-Origin Political Leaders
  • Rishi Sunak (Former Prime Minister, UK) – First British-Indian PM, shaping UK-India ties.
  • Kamala Harris (Former Vice President, USA) – Advocates for Indo-Pacific policies and India-US cooperation.
  • Leo Varadkar (Former Prime Minister, Ireland) – Strengthened India-Ireland relations.
  • Pravind Jugnauth (Fomer Prime Minister, Mauritius) – Has deep historical ties with India.
• Voting Power and Electoral Influence
  • United States: Indian-Americans, about 4.5 million strong, are a key swing vote, influencing US-India policy.
  • United Kingdom: With 1.8 million British Indians, their votes impact party policies.
  • Canada: Indian diaspora accounts for 5% of the population, influencing trade and diplomatic relations.
• Advocacy on Global Issues
  • Supporting India’s Global Interests:
    • Advocacy for India’s UNSC Permanent Membership.
    • Support for Indo-Pacific Strategy and countering China’s influence.
    • US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and India Caucus in US Congress promote India's interests.
  • Countering Misinformation: The diaspora challenges misrepresentation on Kashmir, Khalistan, and human rights issues.

Conclusion

The Indian diaspora serves as unofficial brand ambassadors of India, enhancing its global image and aligning with its aspirations as a rising global power. Their growing influence in governance, policymaking, and international advocacy strengthens India's strategic, economic, and diplomatic standing. To deepen engagement, the government introduced key initiatives post-2000, including the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, PIO Card, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, NRI funds, and voting rights for Indian citizens abroad, fostering stronger diaspora connections with the homeland.