Why in the News?
Parliamentary Standing Committee released a report on action taken by the government on the observations/ recommendations on 'Indian Diaspora Overseas including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and Migrant Workers'.
Key Highlights of Committee Report
Key Issues Highlighted | Key Recommendations |
Lack of common definition for 'Non-Resident Indians' (NRIs). | Ministry of External Affairs should work towards proposing a common definition for the term NRIs which would be binding on all Acts as well as the State Legislations. |
Limited Voting Rights to NRIs: Under section 20A of the 'Representation of People Act 1950', NRIs who have enrolled in the voters list have to be present physically to cast their votes. | Solutions like Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) can be looked into for extending the voting rights of NRIs. |
Lack of authentic data on Indian Diaspora: India's official figures of diaspora does not match with UN Population division's estimates, showing discrepancy. | Ministry, together with the Bureau of Immigration, may devise mechanisms to collect and collate reliable data on migrants and returnees on real time basis. |
Low success rate in transfer of Sentenced Persons: Despite having bilateral and multilateral agreements/conventions on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, only 8 Indian prisoners were transferred from foreign countries to India in the last three years. | Ministry of Home Affairs should pursue, process and sign bilateral agreements for transfer of sentenced persons with the remaining countries and amend existing agreements to facilitate smoother repatriation of prisoners. |
Lacunae in Protection of Emigrants: Proliferation of unregistered/illegal Recruitment Agents (RAs) and illegal migration. | Ministry may explore the feasibility of establishing Protector of Emigrants (PoE) offices in States where currently such offices do not exist and develop a vigorous oversight mechanism for RAs. |
Significance of the Indian Diaspora
- Cultural & Soft Power: Indian-origin communities have carried Indian culture, languages, and traditions to every corner of the globe.
- This cultural resonance is evident in Southeast Asia (where Hindu temples and Indian festivals have thrived since colonial times).
- Economic Contribution: India has been the world's top recipient of remittances for over a decade, receiving $135.46 billion in remittances in FY 2024-25.
- These remittance inflows (equivalent to ~3-3.5% of India's GDP) form the second largest source of external financing after service exports.
- Political and Strategic Influence: More than 260 people of Indian origin are elected representatives in various countries' governments, including heads of state/government in a few cases.
- The diaspora's presence can enhance India's hard interests: e.g. India's strong ties with Gulf states are bolstered by the interdependence created by millions of Indian workers there.
- Knowledge and Technological Impact: The Indian diaspora is increasingly contributing to the global knowledge economy with a significant number of Indians in the STEM field.
- It is estimated that around 25% of all startups in Silicon Valley are managed by people of Indian Origin.
India's Engagement with its Diaspora
The Government of India's approach to engaging with the Indian Diaspora is focussed on the four foundational pillars: Care, Connect, Celebrate, and Contribute.
- Care:
- Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY): A welfare scheme providing insurance coverage to Indian workers abroad to ensure their safety and support in cases of emergencies.
- MADAD Portal: Online platform for consular grievance redressal in a time-bound manner.
- Migration and Mobility Agreements: Partnership agreements with key countries to harness India's demographic dividend and foster mobility for Indian students, academics, business people, and professionals.
- Connect:
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): A flagship event that provides a platform for engagement between the Government and the Diaspora.
- It is celebrated on 9th January every two years.
- Know India Programme (KIP): Designed for diaspora youth to explore India's history, heritage, and governance through firsthand experience.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): A flagship event that provides a platform for engagement between the Government and the Diaspora.
- Celebrate:
- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA): India's highest honor for overseas Indians, awarded for their outstanding achievements in myriad fields.
- Girmitiya Engagement: Research, outreach, and future establishment of Girmitiya Study and Research Center to connect with descendants of indentured Indians and celebrate their legacy.
- Contribute:
- Knowledge sharing initiatives: Such as VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme), PRABHASS (Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark) and Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships, to promote collaborations between global Indian scientists and researchers with Indian institutions.
Conclusion
The Indian diaspora has truly become "India's extended family" across the world, a source of pride, support, and influence. By consolidating the gains made so far and proactively addressing emerging challenges, India can ensure this living bridge grows stronger. The way forward lies in sustaining a two-way partnership: India empowering its diaspora, and the diaspora empowering India. With a shared vision and continued engagement, this dynamic relationship can be a key driver in India's quest for economic prosperity and global prominence in the years ahead.
