The Indian diaspora has emerged as a pivotal force shaping the political and economic landscapes of both America and European countries. As one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities, individuals of Indian origin have not only established themselves as influential contributors to the economies but also as active participants in the political spheres of their adopted nations. In the United States, for instance, the Indian diaspora has made substantial strides in various fields, from technology and medicine to business and academia. Many Indian-Americans have ascended to prominent positions in government, exemplifying the diaspora’s impact on shaping policies and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Similarly, in European countries, the Indian diaspora has played a crucial role in diversifying and enriching the socio-economic fabric. Their entrepreneurial spirit and professional expertise have contributed significantly to innovation and economic growth. As the Indian diaspora continues to grow in size and influence, its role in shaping the global political and economic landscape is bound to become even more pronounced.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 2 Mains 2020
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Indian diaspora
UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2020
Structure of the Question
- In Introduction,
- Try to give statistics about the Indian Diaspora.
- In Body,
- Political impact on America and European countries.
- Impact on American and European Economies.
- In Conclusion,
- Try to mention the changes brought about by the Indian Diaspora in the world.
Answer
Introduction
According to the report ‘International Migration 2020 Highlights’, by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), India has the largest diaspora population in the world with 18 million people from the country, living outside their homeland in 2020. India’s large diaspora is distributed across the United Arab Emirates (3.5 million), the United States of America (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million). The diverse profile of India’s diaspora allows it to actively shape the polity and economy of the host country.
Political Impact of Indian Diaspora
Electoral Power
The growing number of Indians in host countries has entrusted them with the ability to influence election results. For Instance, Indian-Americans make up around 1% of the electorate, but their votes are crucial in swing states. Recently, the newly elected Vice president of the US, Kamala Harris, is of Indian origin.
Diplomacy
Diaspora plays an important role in influencing the policies and politics of its host country. The power to steer bilateral relations in the case of ‘The Indo-US Nuclear deal’ can be seen in the context of diasporic mediation in international relations.
Influencing the World
Some of the top positions are held by people of Indian origin in IBM, Microsoft, Google, Deloitte, Adobe, Palo Alto Networks, etc. They have a profound impact on global economic output and also have a decisive role in influencing the political dynamics not only in America and European countries but also across the world.
Soft Power
The spread of Ayurveda, Yoga, Indian Spirituality, Bollywood, and Indian cuisine across the world has made India famous. It has even led to a revival of many lost relationships with many countries, hence boosting diplomatic relations.
Economic Impact of Indian Diaspora
Technological Prowess
Indian diaspora is known for their innovative skills and tech-savvy attitude which has contributed to benefiting the host countries. For example, in Silicon Valley, they have significantly contributed to the growth of the IT industry. Technological giants like Google and Microsoft are headed by Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadela.
Indian Industrialists
Indian Industrialists have left their mark on the American and European industrial landscape. Indians abroad have made the nation a brand. There are several eminent British industrialists of Indian origin, including Lakshmi Mittal, and Hinduja brothers.
MNCs
Many Indian MNCs have made their global presence felt by investing heavily and creating employment. For example, Jaguar and Land Rover, which are British car manufacturers, are owned by Tata.
Earnings, Taxes and Remittances
Remittances from Indians abroad make an invaluable contribution, by aiding in socio-economic development and poverty reduction. The highest remittance of $78.6 billion (this amounts to a whopping 3.4% of India’s GDP) was received from Indians living abroad. This shows that most Indians abroad are in significant tax brackets which act as a reliable source of revenue for their country of residence.
Conclusion
The Indian diaspora has gained new visibility as their political and financial clout has grown. It contributes by way of remittances, investment, lobbying for India, and promoting Indian culture abroad. There are over 2 lakh Indians in Italy playing a part in the dairy, agricultural, and domestic service sectors. The Indian diaspora is instrumental in public healthcare delivery in the EU. With the versatile role its Diaspora could play, India can work better towards the cherished dream of becoming a superpower and it could make much headway in its international and foreign affairs. The diaspora can also promote Indian culture abroad and help build a good image of India through their intelligence and industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is the Indian diaspora considered to have a decisive role in the politics and economy of America and European countries?
The Indian diaspora, known for its significant presence in key sectors, has garnered attention due to its active engagement in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Understanding their influence requires examining their contributions to these regions.
Q: What sectors of the American and European economies are prominently impacted by the Indian diaspora?
The Indian diaspora has made substantial contributions to various sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and academia. Their presence in Silicon Valley, financial institutions, and research centers has played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscapes of these regions.
Q: How has the political involvement of the Indian diaspora in America and Europe evolved over the years?
Over time, the Indian diaspora has become increasingly active in politics, participating in elections, advocacy, and policy-making. Understanding the evolution of their political engagement provides insights into the factors driving their influence in decision-making processes.
Q: What role does the Indian diaspora play in fostering cultural diversity and global understanding in America and European countries?
Beyond politics and the economy, the Indian diaspora contributes significantly to cultural diversity. Their presence influences arts, cuisine, and social dynamics, fostering a rich tapestry of global understanding. Exploring this aspect sheds light on the broader impact of the diaspora on societal dynamics.
Q: In what ways does the Indian diaspora act as a bridge between America, Europe, and India in terms of trade and diplomatic relations?
Given their deep connections with both their host countries and India, the Indian diaspora serves as a bridge for fostering trade relations and diplomatic ties. Understanding how they navigate these roles provides valuable insights into the multifaceted contributions of the diaspora to international relations.
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