Indian Diaspora: Meaning, Facts, Significance | Indian Diaspora UPSC Notes

Table of Contents

1.     Indian Diaspora

2.     Distribution of Indian Diaspora

3.     Significance and Meaning of Indian Diaspora

4.     Issues Related to Indian Diaspora

5.     Government Initiatives for Indian Diaspora

6.     Indian Diaspora UPSC

7.     Relevant Articles, Statutory Laws, and Case Laws

8.     MCQs for UPSC Exam Preparation

9.     Key Points

10.                        FAQs on Indian Diaspora

1. Indian Diaspora

Indian Diaspora refers to the population of people of Indian origin who have settled in various countries around the world. They form a significant global community and maintain strong connections with their Indian heritage, culture, and traditions. The term Indian Diaspora encompasses "NRIs" (Non-Resident Indians) and "PIOs" (Persons of Indian Origin who have acquired the citizenship of some other country).

2. Distribution of Indian Diaspora

The Indian Diaspora is the second-largest diaspora in the world, with an estimated 25 million people. Major regions with significant Indian diaspora populations include:

• Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
• North America: United States, Canada
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany
• Asia-Pacific: Malaysia, Singapore, Australia
• Africa: South Africa, Mauritius
• South Asia: Sri Lanka, Nepal

3. Significance and Meaning of Indian Diaspora

The Indian Diaspora is an important asset for both the countries of origin and the countries of settlement. Key points include:

• Economic Contributions: Significant contributions through remittances, investment, and trade.
• Cultural Bridge: Promotion of Indian culture, traditions, and values globally.
• Soft Power: Enhancing India's influence through cultural diplomacy and global advocacy.
• Innovation and Skills: Contributions in fields such as technology, medicine, and entrepreneurship.

4. Issues Related to Indian Diaspora

Despite the significant contributions, the Indian Diaspora faces several issues:

• Immigration and Customs: Mistreatment, intimidation, and corruption at points of entry.
• Dual Citizenship: The desire to maintain dual citizenship remains unaddressed.
• Safety Concerns: Security of Indian workers in conflict zones like the Middle East.
• Nitaqat Law: Policies like the Nitaqat Law in Saudi Arabia affecting Indian workers.

5. Government Initiatives for Indian Diaspora

The Government of India has launched various initiatives to address the concerns of the Indian Diaspora:

• Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA): Established in 2004 to focus on diaspora-related issues.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): Celebrated annually to recognize the contributions of the Indian Diaspora.
• Know India Program: A 3-week orientation program for diaspora youth.
• Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card: Provides lifetime multiple-entry visas and other benefits.
• Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana 2006: Insurance scheme for Indian workers abroad.

6. Indian Diaspora UPSC

The topic of Indian Diaspora is significant for UPSC exams, particularly in the International Relations section. It highlights India's global presence and contributions to various fields.

7. Relevant Articles, Statutory Laws, and Case Laws

Relevant Articles of the Constitution

• Article 51: Promotion of international peace and security.

Relevant Statutory Laws

• The Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, 1972: Regulates diplomatic relations.
• The Passports Act, 1967: Governs the issuance of passports.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

• K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017): Right to privacy.
• Vineet Narain vs Union of India (1997): Emphasized transparency and accountability in governance.

8. MCQs for UPSC Exam Preparation

1.     Which country is home to the largest Indian diaspora population?

(A) United Kingdom

(B) United States

(C) Canada

(D) United Arab Emirates

Answer: (B) United States

2.     Which Indian state has the highest remittance inflow from its diaspora population?

(A) Kerala

(B) Maharashtra

(C) Tamil Nadu

(D) Punjab

Answer: (A) Kerala

3.     When was the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs established?

(A) 2000

(B) 2004

(C) 2010

(D) 2014

Answer: (B) 2004

4.     What is the main objective of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?

(A) Celebrate Indian festivals abroad

(B) Recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora

(C) Promote Indian cuisine globally

(D) Facilitate tourism in India

Answer: (B) Recognize the contributions of the Indian diaspora

5.     Which initiative helps PIOs discover their Indian ancestry?

(A) Know India Program

(B) Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

(C) Tracing the Roots Program

(D) Swarnapravas Yojana

Answer: (C) Tracing the Roots Program

6.     Which country has the highest Indian diaspora population in the Middle East?

(A) Saudi Arabia

(B) United Arab Emirates

(C) Qatar

(D) Kuwait

Answer: (B) United Arab Emirates

7.     What is the purpose of the OCI card?

(A) Provide voting rights

(B) Offer lifetime multiple-entry visas

(C) Grant Indian citizenship

(D) Facilitate education in India

Answer: (B) Offer lifetime multiple-entry visas

8.     Which law in Saudi Arabia affects foreign workers including Indians?

(A) Nitaqat Law

(B) Sharia Law

(C) Kafala System

(D) Labor Law

Answer: (A) Nitaqat Law

9.     Which report provides data on global migration trends?

(A) Global Migration Report

(B) World Migration Report

(C) International Migration Report

(D) Diaspora Migration Report

Answer: (B) World Migration Report

10.                        Which program provides insurance coverage for Indian workers abroad?

(A) Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

(B) Overseas Workers Welfare Scheme

(C) Indian Migrant Insurance Scheme

(D) NRI Insurance Plan

Answer: (A) Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

9. Key Points

• Economic Contributions: Significant through remittances, investments, and trade.
• Cultural Influence: Promotes Indian culture and traditions globally.
• Soft Power: Enhances India's global influence and diplomatic relations.
• Government Initiatives: Various programs and policies to support and engage the Indian diaspora.

10. FAQs on Indian Diaspora

What is Indian Diaspora?

The Indian Diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who have migrated to other countries, including NRIs and PIOs. There are about 25 million people in the Indian Diaspora.

Which country has the highest Indian diaspora?

The highest Indian diaspora is in the United States.

Why is the Indian diaspora important to the Indian Economy?

Remittances from the Indian diaspora significantly contribute to India's economy, with an estimated $87 billion received in 2021.

What are the different types of Indian diaspora?

• PIOs: Persons of Indian Origin living outside India.
• OCIs: Individuals holding foreign citizenship but with ties to India.
• NRIs: Indian citizens residing temporarily abroad for work or education.

What is the role of the Indian diaspora in nation-building?

The diaspora acts as international ambassadors and contributes to India's soft power, economic growth, and strategic interests.

By understanding these aspects and focusing on the key points, candidates can effectively prepare for questions on the Indian Diaspora in the UPSC exam.