Facts:
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UN World Migration Report (2020)
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Indian diaspora is world’s largest, with slightly more than 17.5 million people from India living overseas.
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Indian diaspora in recent elections overseas:
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15 seat in UK, 2019
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20 seats in Canada, 2015
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3 Indian American in USA congress and two state Governors of Indian origin
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In UK conservative party campaign used Campaign song in Hindi.
Definition:
Indian Diaspora is a generic term used for addressing people who have migrated from the territories that are currently within the borders of India.
History:
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The incorporation of the British Empire in India can be linked to the existence of modern Indian Diaspora all over the world.
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Dating back to the nineteenth century, Indian indentured labor was taken over to the British colonies in different parts of the world.
Significance of Diaspora:
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Huge Number:
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According to Global Migration Report 2020, India continues to be the largest country of origin of international migrants with a 17.5 million-strong diaspora across the world, and it received the highest remittance of USD 78.6 billion (this amounts to a whopping 3.4% of India’s GDP) from Indians living abroad.
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It contributes by way of remittances, investment, lobbying for India, promoting Indian culture abroad and for building a good image of India by their intelligence and industry.
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Economic Front:
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Indian diaspora is one of the richest minorities in many developed countries, this helps them to lobby for favourable terms regarding India’s interests.
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The migration of less-skilled labour (especially to West Asia) has also helped in bringing down disguised unemployment in India.
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In general, migrants’ remittances have positive systemic effects on the balance of payments.
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Remittances of USD 70-80 billion help to bridge a wider trade deficit.
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By weaving a web of cross-national networks, the migrant workers facilitated the flow of tacit information, commercial and business ideas, and technologies into India.
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Political Front:
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Many people of Indian origin hold top political positions in many countries, in the USA itself, they are now a significant part of Republicans and Democrats, as well as the government.
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India’s diaspora played an important role in the India-U.S. nuclear deal.
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Indian diaspora is not just a part of India’s soft power, but a fully transferable political vote bank as well.
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Government Initiatives:
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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): It is celebrated once in every two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their roots.
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UMANG International App: It would help all Indian international students, NRIs, and Indian tourists abroad to avail themselves of the services of the government of India anytime they want.
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VAJRA Faculty Scheme: The Scheme enables NRIs and the overseas scientific community to participate and contribute to research and development in India.
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Know India Programme: It is a three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by the country in various fields.
Diaspora in UK:
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Population:
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The Indian Diaspora in the UK is one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the country.
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According to 2011 census recording approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK equating to almost 1.8% of Britain’s population.
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Economy:
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Indians contribute 6% of the UK’s GDP.
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Indian diaspora-owned companies with a combined revenue of 36.84 billion pounds employ over 1,74,000 people and pay over 1 billion pounds in Corporation Tax.
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Culture:
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There has been a gradual mainstreaming of Indian culture and absorption of Indian cuisine, cinema, languages, religion, philosophy, performing arts, etc.
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The Nehru Centre is the cultural wing of the High Commission of India in the UK which was established in 1992.
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2017 was celebrated as the India-UK year of Culture to mark the 70th anniversary of Indian independence.
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Politics:
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In 2019, the British House of Commons had 15 members of parliament of Indian origin.
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