Introduction:
In today’s interconnected and globalized world, diasporas play a crucial role in shaping societies and economies across the globe. These communities consist of individuals who reside outside their country of origin but maintain strong socio-cultural and emotional connections to their homeland. Various factors such as political instability, economic opportunities, historical events, and environmental challenges often compel individuals to leave their native countries, leading to the formation of diverse diasporic communities. Estimates suggest that approximately 281 million people worldwide belong to various diasporas, highlighting widespread the influence and significance of these communities. India, in particular, boasts substantial a diaspora, with more than 30 million individuals living in 205 countries around the world. The majority of the Indian diaspora is concentrated in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, countries, and Gulf contributing to the cultural, social, and economic landscape of both their host countries and homeland.
Comparing China and India’s engagement with their respective diasporas reveals distinct approaches to fostering economic and socio cultural ties. While China has strategically leveraged its diaspora for economic and cultural exchanges, India has yet to harness this potential fully. Although the Modi government has undertaken various initiatives since 2014 to engage with the Indian diaspora, there remains considerable work to be done. India can learn valuable lessons from China’s proactive engagement and utilisation of its diaspora for national development. Recognising its untapped potential, India must prioritise and enhance its efforts to engage with its diaspora, leveraging their expertise and networks for economic and socio-cultural advancement. India’s potential in this regard remains largely untapped, indicating the need for more concerted efforts to leverage its diaspora for benefit mutual and national growth.
China’s Diaspora Policies of Engagement Overseas Chinese:
China has formulated a comprehensive diaspora engagement policy and established institutional frameworks. The Chinese government has endeavoured to embrace all ethnic Chinese, regardless of their nationality or migration date, as integral members of the Chinese family, emphasising the significance of ethnic identity and pride in one’s heritage, similar to India’s approach. Both the Chinese and Indian governments aim to broaden and de-territorialize the notion of Chinese or Indian; to stimulate economic and social development. However, their diaspora policies diverge in focus. While China’s Roots Seeking initiatives for overseas youth promote Chinese language and culture abroad, China has actively sought the return of its highly skilled diaspora through employment and scholarship programs over the past two decades. Beijing has actively sought to embrace all individuals of ethnic Chinese descent, regardless of their nationality or migration history, as integral members of the Chinese community, thereby strengthening their connection to the Chinese nation. In 1993, during the Third Plenum of the 14th Party Congress, the Chinese government introduced the Twelve Words policy, which focused on supporting overseas studies and encouraging the return of Chinese students. In 2013, Xi Jinping expanded this policy by adding four additional characters, fahui zuoyong (playing a role), reaffirming the commitment of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government to ensure that the Chinese diaspora upon returning to China, could actively contribute to the nation’s development and continue to contribute while residing overseas. A notable example is China’s flagship program, 1000 Talents, which offers prestigious academic positions and significantly higher salaries to senior Chinese scholars with PhDs obtained overseas, attracting many participants. Additionally, China endeavours to attract innovators, particularly in engineering and high technology sectors, through lucrative salary packages and incentives, resulting in the return of individuals under the 1000 Talents program, surpassing the initial target.
Overseas Chinese exhibit a strong sense of shared identity and attachment to China, contributing significantly to its economic growth. This is attributed to patriotic sentiments and China’s extensive diaspora engagement policies and institutional frameworks. China has consistently welcomed all ethnic Chinese into the Chinese family, encouraging overseas studies and supporting their role in China’s development, as demonstrated by policies such as the Changjiang Scholars Program and the 1000 Talents Program. China’s outreach to its diaspora extends beyond policies, encompassing media strategies like China Radio International and China Central Television, which broadcast globally in multiple languages, including those spoken by the diaspora. Moreover, China prioritises the protection of overseas Chinese citizens through initiatives like the Emergency Call Center of Global Consular Protection and Service, established by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in 2014.
Xi Jinping’s initiatives to rejuvenate the nation and achieve the Chinese Dream since 2012 have laid the groundwork for China’s current diaspora engagement efforts. China’s success in attracting a significant number of sea turtles (returnees) and ethnic Chinese foreign direct investment underscores the effectiveness of its diaspora engagement strategies, emphasising technical expertise and international exposure as critical assets.
India’s diaspora engagement policies:
During his tenure from 1998 to 2004, Atal Bihari Vajpayee is credited with fostering significant engagement with the Indian diaspora to develop mutually beneficial connections. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasingly recognised for his enthusiasm in expanding upon these earlier efforts. Modi’s vigour in this arena has been evident since assuming office in May 2014, reflected in his public statements. During foreign visits and interactions with India’s expatriate communities, he encourages them to actively contribute to India’s growth narrative. Unlike the Indian National Congress, which tends to distance itself from the diaspora, viewing them predominantly as liabilities, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regards the Indian diaspora as an invaluable asset. A notable incident highlighting this difference occurred in 1964 in Burma (now Myanmar), when General Ne Win’s nationalisation of businesses severely impacted the substantial Indian trading community, resulting in loss of livelihoods, lack of compensation, and expulsion of up to 300,000 individuals from the country. At the time, the Indian Government refrained from aiding the diaspora, asserting that the events were solely within domestic jurisdiction. Similarly, in 1972, when approximately 70,000 Indians faced persecution under Idi Amin’s regime in Uganda and were subsequently expelled, many sought asylum in England after the Indian government neglected their plight.
A detailed examination of the manifestos of both parties in the 2014 elections underscores a disparity in their approaches toward India’s expatriate communities. The BJP’s manifesto explicitly stated its intention to collaborate with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) through proactive diplomatic strategies to enhance “Brand India”. It emphasised harnessing the vast resources of NRIs, PIOs, and professionals settled abroad to amplify India’s global presence. In contrast, the Congress party’s manifesto highlighted a more protective stance, prioritising safeguarding Indians overseas from exploitation or threats, including advocating for Tamilian interests in Sri Lanka and establishing youth exchange centres in India.
Ram Madhav, BJP’s general secretary, elucidated his party’s stance during the launch of the 2015 Indian Diaspora Investment Initiative, emphasising the potential of the Indian diaspora to advocate for India’s interests while being loyal citizens abroad. This approach mirrors the proactive role played by the Jewish community in the United States in safeguarding Israel’s interests. The BJP’s policy contrasts with the historical approach of the Congress, which has been inclined to sever ties with emigrants, while the BJP tends to foster and nurture these connections. This overview delves into the burgeoning significance of the diaspora in Indian foreign policy and the ensuing challenges and opportunities. Moreover, in its 2019 manifesto under foreign policy, the BJP reiterated its commitment to deepen the relationship of culture and heritage with people of Indian origin by creating an institutional mechanism. This mechanism aims to regularly engage with them and launch the Bharat Gaurav campaign to increase interaction among the Indian diaspora and enable their continuous engagement with Indian missions. Additionally, the BJP pledged to strengthen the MADAD portal as a single-point avenue for information and services for Indians living abroad. The engagement of India’s diaspora to enhance the economic conditions and international image of the country has been a longstanding endeavour, gaining renewed vigour in recent times. At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January 2017, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the shift from brain drain to brain gain, symbolising the recognition of Non-Resident Indian (NRI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) individuals contributions.
The diaspora’s perception of India has evolved beyond sentimental attachment, supported by the government’s efforts to ease travel and residency policies. Initiatives like the PIO and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, merged by the present government, offer lifetime visa access and various benefits akin to citizens. New Delhi has streamlined procedures and established single-window clearances to attract diaspora investments, alongside investing in training programs for low-skilled Indian youth seeking employment abroad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proactive outreach to the diaspora is evident in his engagements across various countries, fostering soft power and informal diplomacy. The engagement with diaspora members as informal ambassadors aims to strengthen India’s ties globally. Furthermore, the substantial remittances and encouragement for diaspora members to invest in social projects underscore the government’s strategy.
Recent policies by the government encompass consular services, protection, and outreach activities for NRIs and OCIs, alongside initiatives encouraging diaspora contributions to India’s growth through philanthropy, knowledge transfers, and investments. The reinvigoration of schemes like the Know India Program and the introduction of youth-centric outreach initiatives demonstrate a multifaceted approach to engaging with the diaspora.
Conclusion:
Much more must be done to harness the benefits of India’s diaspora fully. Addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and labour market regulations is essential to encourage PIOs and NRIs to invest in India. While India does have programs like the Know India program, they pale in comparison to China’s extensive initiatives, with India admitting around 35 participants annually compared to China’s intake of approximately 30,000 individuals. India also faces shortcomings in offering attractive employment opportunities to overseas Indians compared to China’s robust initiatives like the 1,000 Talents program and support for overseas studies. India’s efforts to protect its diaspora in challenging situations, while commendable, lack a formal strategic diaspora protection policy or a comprehensive emergency plan. Additionally, India’s scholarship programs for diasporic children are limited compared to China’s broader initiatives.
Although India’s official broadcasters cover a wide range of countries and languages, they lag behind counterparts like China Radio International and China Central Television in terms of international presence. To unlock the full potential of its diaspora, India must expand its globally-oriented programs and schemes and enhance their visibility worldwide. Furthermore, while some Indian states like Kerala and Gujarat have robust diasporic infrastructures, others lag, highlighting the need for both central and state governments to drive policy initiatives. In conclusion, while China and India have differing approaches to engaging with their diasporas, both recognise the diaspora’s importance beyond economic remittances, acknowledging their role in providing access to markets, knowledge, capital, expertise, and best practices. India, however, must ramp up its efforts to fully leverage its diaspora’s potential. Although historically, India has benefited from its diaspora, its success in contributing to India’s growth story will depend on effective schemes, policies, and outreach activities by the government. The diaspora can significantly contribute to India’s key projects like Swachh Bharat, Clean Ganga, Make In India, Digital India, and Skill India, making it imperative for India to unlock their potential. The present government’s focus on the diaspora is strategic, recognising them as a valuable asset to India’s foreign policy objectives.
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