Syllabus: GS2/Governance/GS2/IR/GS3/Economy
Context
- Thirty-five million members of the Indian diaspora spread across the world are India’s “pride”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event of the people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago.
About
- The PM announced that sixth generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will receive the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card soon.
- The announcement is the first such outreach by India to the Caribbean nation which is marking the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the Girmitiyas — in 2025.
- Girmitiya Community: “Girmitiyas” were Indian labourers who left India in the mid to late 19th century to work in British colonies, where many eventually settled.
- The term “Girmit” is a mispronunciation of “Agreement,” referring to the contract under which they migrated.
- The labourers were taken to colonies like Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, etc.
- They have strong links with Bihar and Eastern UP and have a bhojpuri-speaking heritage.
- Trinidad and Tobago also became the first country in the Caribbean to adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system that would help in transfer of finance between the two sides.
Indian Diaspora
- The diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently.
- As per the Indian Ministry of External Affairs [2024], the global Indian diaspora numbers approximately 35.42 million, consisting of 15.85 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.57 million people of Indian origin (PIOs).
- Top 5 countries where the Indian diaspora resides: United States of America (USA): 5.4Mn, United Arab Emirates (UAE): 3.6Mn, Malaysia: 2.9Mn, Canada: 2.8Mn and Saudi Arabia: 2.4Mn.
- India is the origin of the largest number of international migrants in the world, touching nearly 18 million, according to the UN World Migration Report 2024.
Importance of the Diaspora
- Remittances: In 2024, India received an estimated $129.1 billion worth of remittances, the highest ever for a country in any year.
- India’s share in global remittances was 14.3% this year, the highest such share since the turn of the millennium for any country.
- These contribute significantly to foreign exchange reserves and rural household incomes.
- Investment & Trade: NRIs and PIOs invest in Indian real estate, startups, and infrastructure, and act as trade facilitators between India and their countries of residence.
- Tech & Innovation: Indian-origin professionals in Silicon Valley, academia, and global corporations contribute to knowledge transfer, mentorship, and innovation linkages.
- Cultural Ambassadors: The diaspora promotes Indian languages, yoga, cuisine, Cinema, and festivals globally.
- Policy Advocacy: Diaspora communities often influence foreign policy decisions in host countries in favor of India.
- Citizen Diplomacy: Diaspora involvement helps India manage relations during bilateral tensions or negative media coverage.
- Global Recognition: Their achievements enhance India’s image as a land of talent and opportunity.
Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora
- No Dual Citizenship: India does not allow dual citizenship, limiting political rights and emotional bonding with the homeland.
- Racism & Xenophobia: Rising racial attacks in countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa.
- Religious or Cultural Prejudice: Targeting due to visible religious symbols or dietary habits.
- Unfair Legal Treatment: Harsh labour laws and weak legal protections for migrant workers in West Asia.
- Low-Wage Migrant Workers: Many Indian workers in Gulf countries face exploitative contracts, wage delays, unsafe housing, and long hours.
- Struggle to Preserve Identity: Indian-origin youth in Western countries often face a crisis of identity and cultural alienation.
- Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Rise of right-wing politics in the West has made immigrants targets of suspicion.
Government Initiatives to Engage Diaspora
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (9 January): It is celebrated to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa.
- It recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora.
- Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card: It offers lifelong visa-free entry, property rights (except agriculture), and economic privileges to eligible PIOs up to 4th generation (excluding Pakistan/Bangladesh origin).
- Know India Programme (KIP): Short-term orientation programme for diaspora youth (21-35 years) to connect with Indian culture, institutions, and states.
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Promotes Indian culture abroad through cultural exchanges, academic chairs, and artist delegations.
- e-Migrate System: Online platform to protect Indian workers abroad by streamlining recruitment, employment contracts, and grievance redressal.
- Bharatiya Pravasi Samman Award: Highest honor given by the Indian government to eminent diaspora members for their outstanding contributions.
- Madad Portal: Online grievance redressal platform by MEA for Indians abroad seeking help with passports, consular services, and legal issues.
- VAJRA Scheme: Invites Indian-origin scientists abroad to collaborate with Indian institutions in advanced research projects.
- Global Pravasi Rishta Portal & App: A digital platform to connect diaspora with Indian missions for registration, communication, and outreach activities.
Source: TH