10.4 Diaspora's role in bilateral relations with India

The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in shaping bilateral relations between India and their host countries. Acting as informal ambassadors, they promote understanding, facilitate diplomatic ties, and contribute to track II diplomacy efforts. Their involvement spans public diplomacy, official engagements, and unofficial dialogues.

Beyond diplomacy, the diaspora significantly impacts international exchange. They foster trade and investment opportunities, provide market insights, and drive knowledge sharing. Their efforts in connecting businesses, attracting investments, and collaborating on research projects strengthen economic ties between India and their adopted nations.

The Indian Diaspora's Role in Bilateral Relations

Role of diaspora in bilateral relations

Top images from around the web for Role of diaspora in bilateral relations

• 

  Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi • President of Russia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Venezuela Deepens Bilateral Cooperation Ties with India – Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Meeting Indian Diaspora | Former Foreign Office Minister Jer… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi • President of Russia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Venezuela Deepens Bilateral Cooperation Ties with India – Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Role of diaspora in bilateral relations

• 

  Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi • President of Russia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Venezuela Deepens Bilateral Cooperation Ties with India – Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Meeting Indian Diaspora | Former Foreign Office Minister Jer… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi • President of Russia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Venezuela Deepens Bilateral Cooperation Ties with India – Orinoco Tribune – News and opinion ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Act as informal ambassadors promoting understanding and goodwill between India and host countries
  • Engage in public diplomacy by sharing Indian culture, traditions, and values with host communities (yoga, Diwali celebrations)
  • Participate actively in host country politics advocating for policies that strengthen India-host country relations (lobbying, grassroots campaigns)
• Facilitate official diplomatic relations between India and host nations
  • Provide valuable insights, local knowledge, and advice to Indian diplomatic missions abroad
  • Help organize high-level visits, meetings, and exchanges between Indian and host country officials (state visits, trade delegations)
• Contribute significantly to track II diplomacy efforts
  • Participate in unofficial dialogues, negotiations, and back-channel communications between India and host countries
  • Help build trust, understanding, and resolve conflicts between nations through informal channels (academic collaborations, think tank initiatives)

Diaspora's impact on international exchange

• Promote trade and business opportunities between India and host countries
  • Identify and connect potential trade partners in India and host nations (B2B matchmaking, trade fairs)
  • Provide valuable market insights, intelligence, and local knowledge to facilitate trade deals
  • Help navigate regulatory landscapes, cultural differences, and language barriers in doing business
• Facilitate investment flows between India and host countries
  • Invest directly in Indian businesses, startups, and development projects (FDI, venture capital)
  • Attract foreign investment into India by showcasing opportunities and success stories
  • Act as intermediaries and advisors connecting Indian and foreign investors (investment forums, mentoring)
• Foster knowledge exchange and collaboration between India and host nations
  • Share expertise, skills, and best practices with Indian counterparts (tech transfer, capacity building)
  • Collaborate on joint research, innovation, and development projects (healthcare, renewable energy)
  • Mentor and support Indian entrepreneurs, students, and professionals in host countries (diaspora networks, alumni associations)

Government Engagement and Cultural Diplomacy

Government initiatives for diaspora engagement

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day) celebrated annually on January 9
  • Flagship event to celebrate, connect with, and honor the Indian diaspora worldwide
  • Provides a platform for diaspora to network, collaborate, and engage with Indian leaders
  • Recognizes diaspora achievements and contributions through Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme launched in 2005
  • Grants special status, rights, and privileges to eligible diaspora members (multiple entry visa, parity with NRIs)
  • Facilitates easier travel, investment, property ownership, and cultural connections with India
  • Encourages greater engagement, emotional connect, and sense of belonging among the diaspora
• Dedicated diaspora engagement policies and programs by the Indian government
  • Establishment of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in 2004 (now under MEA) to address diaspora issues
  • Initiatives to map, connect with, and leverage the global Indian diaspora (Global Indian Network of Knowledge)
  • Programs to harness diaspora skills, expertise, and resources for India's development (Know India Program, Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children)

Diaspora as cultural ambassadors

• Promote Indian culture, heritage, and soft power in host societies
  • Organize cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions showcasing Indian art, music, dance, and cuisine (International Yoga Day, Indian film festivals)
  • Share Indian values, traditions, and way of life with host communities through cultural exchanges
  • Establish Indian cultural centers, associations, and language schools to preserve and promote Indian heritage (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Hindi Samitis)
• Foster cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people ties
  • Engage in interfaith and intercultural dialogues to promote harmony and understanding (Diwali celebrations at the White House)
  • Participate actively in host country cultural events, parades, and initiatives (India Day parades in the US)
  • Help dispel stereotypes, misconceptions, and ignorance about India and Indians through positive interactions
• Facilitate people-to-people connections and exchanges between India and host nations
  • Organize student exchanges, scholarships, and educational collaborations (Study India Program, Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange)
  • Host visiting Indian delegations, artists, and tourists providing local support and hospitality
  • Connect Indian and host country communities through social, cultural, and sporting activities (cricket matches, Indian cultural associations)