Q.9. What is India’s Diaspora policy? What are the challenges before Indian Diaspora at present?

India’s Diaspora policy has evolved over the years to engage and leverage the Indian community living abroad. The policy focuses on strengthening ties with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). The key elements of this policy include:

• Diaspora Engagement: Encouraging the Indian diaspora to contribute to India’s development through investments, knowledge transfer, and by promoting India’s interests abroad.

• Cultural Promotion: Preserving Indian culture among the diaspora and using cultural diplomacy to enhance India’s soft power globally.

• Consular Services: Improving consular services and addressing the needs of the Indian diaspora, including facilitating travel and addressing issues related to dual citizenship.
• Remittances: Recognizing the significant contribution of remittances from the diaspora to the Indian economy and ensuring smooth channels for financial transactions.

The challenges before the Indian Diaspora at present include:

• Consular Issues: The diaspora often faces issues with customs and immigration officials, including mistreatment and demands for illegal gratification at points of entry.

• Dual Citizenship: Many members of the Indian diaspora prefer to maintain dual citizenship, which is not fully supported by Indian law.

• Job Security: Economic downturns, such as low oil prices and slower global growth, have led to job cuts, particularly in the Gulf region where a large number of Indians are employed.

• Security Concerns: Rising conflicts and instability, especially in the Middle East, pose direct threats to the safety of the Indian diaspora.

• Competition: There is fierce competition from skilled labor from other countries, which can impact the job opportunities available to Indians abroad.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining a strong relationship with the Indian diaspora and ensuring their continued contribution to India’s growth and global influence.