Abstract
This paper focuses on major government schemes and programs introduced for the Indian diaspora which has played a crucial role in strengthening diaspora relations. India has the world’s largest and diverse diaspora community living across the globe. Indian embassies and consulates around the world often provide welfare initiatives, and consular services such as grievance redressal, legal and emergency support etc. The Government of India has been timely revising its policies to enable its diaspora to contribute to India’s socio-economic development.
Keywords: Indian Diaspora, Diaspora Engagement, Policy Framework, Government Schemes
Introduction
India has the most diverse and widely spread diaspora in the world which significantly contributes to the country’s social, economic and global engagement. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian diaspora comprises the world’s largest population with over 35.4 million people living across the globe. The top five countries hosting the Indian diaspora are the USA, UAE, Canada, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The relationship with the global diaspora has evolved into a strategic partnership which reflects their pivotal role in the nation’s development. India today connects with its diaspora through a wide range of government schemes and programs that aim and support Indians living abroad. These initiatives focus on areas like economic participation, welfare and protection, cultural connection etc. which demonstrates a strong commitment towards strengthening diaspora engagement. The important aspect of these initiatives is that different schemes are designed for different groups of diasporas such as students, migrant workers, and other professionals. In recent years, the use of digital platforms has made it easier to access services such as grievance redressal and migration related information. Along with the central government, the state government has also started playing a crucial role by introducing their own schemes to support people from their region who are living abroad.
As these programs are more targeted, it helps to understand the migration population in a much better way. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major government schemes and programs for the Indian diaspora, highlighting how they have helped in strengthening engagement with overseas Indians. Through these initiatives, the diaspora continues to play a significant role in contributing towards India’s development.
Literature Review
The literature shows how the stance of the Indian government has changed over a period of time towards its diaspora resulting in policies and programs which are meant towards building cordial relations with overseas Indians. The effects of a diaspora are strongly mediated by policies and conditions in the country of origin. The diaspora policies today cover all aspects such as welfare, cultural, social and economic leading towards building cultural connection, investment, knowledge and skills exchange, and global cooperation.
Shamsu (2023) has highlighted that India did not have a robust diaspora engagement policy but the transformation came with the introduction of the Emigration Act, 1983 which laid the foundation stone for the active involvement of the diaspora. Similarly, Hercog & Siegel (2011) analyzed how the establishment of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) served as a single stop agency for any kind of matters relating to overseas Indians which showed the Government of India’s long‐term commitment towards its diasporic people with changing interests and ideologies. Fatima (2026) also gave a conceptual overview of different policies and how the Indian diaspora has changed significantly throughout the years.
Loreng (2020) analyzed the changing nature of the diaspora related policies adopted by the Indian government and how changes in systems led to developments at international and domestic level. The study also highlighted that the diaspora policies of the Indian government are a dependent variable and are shaped by the changing international and domestic systems.
Overall, the literature suggests that India’s diaspora policy has evolved into a broader and multi-dimensional framework focused on investment, welfare, cultural and global engagement. These studies provide an important foundation for understanding the significance of different schemes and programs for the overseas Indians which has helped in strengthening India’s relationship with its global diaspora.
Understanding Diaspora Engagement Framework
The Indian diaspora engagement framework is built around a combination of government schemes, institutional mechanisms, and service delivery systems which aims to support and connect Indians abroad. These initiatives are based on 4C’s: Care for our communities, Connect with global networks, Celebrate our shared heritage, and encourage Contributions that drive positive change (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025). It has been observed that the active engagement of the Government of India with the Indian diaspora has resulted in the diaspora’s key role of promoting growth and development of the nation by not only promoting India’s interests but also strengthening ties between India and the adopted countries of the Indian diaspora. This has helped the People of Indian Origin (PIO) to emerge with occupying prominent positions in politics, public administration, and international organizations in countries across the world. This has helped promote India’s interests and its position on global platforms, thus benefiting both India and the respective countries of such leaders from the Indian diaspora.
Government Schemes and Programs for the Indian diaspora
India has served as a role model for nations in their attempt to engage their respective diaspora communities. Shamsu (2023) highlights that the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) was established in 2004, (later merged with the Ministry of External Affairs in 2016) exclusively for diaspora affairs to promote, nurture and sustain a mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship between India and overseas Indians. The government of India took several steps for bringing transformative change towards its diaspora diplomacy. Different diaspora engagement policies launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India are as follows: –
Cultural and Engagement Policies
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD)
It is a Government of India’s flagship event held every two years on January 9 to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. To mark this day, the tradition of celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) started in 2003 to mark the contributions of the Indian community abroad in the development of India. During the convention, selected overseas Indians are honored with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to recognize their contributions to various fields both in India and abroad. The MEA also organizes Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (RPBD) which was started in 2007, as events to reach out to Indian diasporas who cannot attend the main biennial event in India. The RPBDs were initiated in response to a significant demand to host these events regionally. Since launching, the RPBDs have received enthusiastic support from the Indian diaspora and local governments and have been highly successful (Loreng, 2020, pp. 6-7).
Tracing the Roots
It was launched by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2018 with the aim to facilitate Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in tracing their roots in India. With this, the applicants can get information about their family background, place of origin and in reconnecting with their heritage. PIOs desirous of tracing their roots in India would be required to fill up the prescribed application form and deposit it with the concerned Indian Mission/Post located in the country of their residence along with a fee of Rs.30,000 ( Rupees Thirty Thousand only) in equivalent US $, Euro or any other foreign currency acceptable to the Indian Mission/Post (Fatima, 2026, p. 4669).
Bharat Ko Jaaniye Online Quiz (BKJ)
It was launched in 2015 to motivate overseas Indian and foreign youth to enhance their knowledge about India and to awaken the curiosity of the new generation to know more about India so that they develop an all-round understanding of India (Ministry of External Affairs, 2023).
Economic and Development Policies
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Card Scheme
It was introduced in August 2005 to provide lifelong visa-free travel to India for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), allowing them to live, work, own property, and invest in India without restrictions. The scheme provides for registration as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 except who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as specified by the Central Government. It does not confer political rights as well as dual citizenship. Also, it does not provide the rights conferred on a citizen of India under article 16 of the Constitution with regard to equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Ministry of External Affairs, 2023).
National Pension Scheme for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
It was introduced in 2015 to provide secure, market-linked retirement planning by allowing investors to build a rupee-denominated pension corpus while residing abroad. Offers a diversified portfolio across equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, ensuring minimal impact during market downturns. It provides tax advantages under section 80 CCD (1) and allows subscribers to deduct up to 10% of their gross income from their taxes (Douw et al., 2024).
The PIO Investor Helpdesk, Invest India
It was launched in 2020 to facilitate trade and investment services for Persons of Indian Origin individuals as well as businesses. Invest India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has launched a dedicated Helpdesk for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to facilitate trade and investments from overseas Indians. This is to encourage investments from overseas Indians through streamlined processes and tailored assistance, the initiative seeks to leverage the expertise, networks, and resources of the Indian diaspora to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment cooperation (Douw et al., 2024).
Social and Welfare Policies
Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)
It was initially launched in 2003 as a mandatory insurance scheme aimed at safeguarding the interests of Indian emigrant workers falling under Emigration Check Required (ECR) category going for overseas employment to ECR countries. It provides financial security by providing insurance coverages in cases such as accidental death or permanent disability, medical emergencies, legal expenses on litigation related to emigrant’s overseas employment and even covers costs in case of returning to India in case of job loss or illness (Ministry of External Affairs, 2023).
Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF)
It was established in 2009 to provide relief and support to overseas citizens during distress and emergency. ICWF has also been a critical support in emergency evacuation of Indian nationals from conflict zones, countries affected by natural disasters and other challenging situations (Press Information Bureau, 2012). The ICWF does not receive support from the Union budget and is a self-sustaining fund. The fund is generated through a service charge levied on consular, passport and visa services rendered by Indian Missions and Posts abroad. The funds were of utmost importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, which facilitated the return of Indian citizens to India under the Vande Bharat Missions (Sharma, 2025).
Assistance for Deserted NRI Indian Women
This scheme was initiated in 2006 with the objective to provide some financial assistance to needy Indian women in distress who have been deserted by their overseas Indian / foreigner husbands for obtaining counselling and legal services. In addition to meeting specific requirements, such as being abandoned within 15 years of marriage or having divorce proceedings started within 15 years, the woman must be an Indian passport holder. offers industrialized countries up to US~$3,000 per case and developing countries up to US~$2,000 per case. The aid is disbursed to the applicant’s attorney or to an NGO, women’s organization, or Indian Community Association representing the woman (Press Information Bureau, 2014).
Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY)
It was introduced in the FY 2018-19 aimed towards providing the PIOs of age group of 45-65 years from 07 Girmitiya countries (Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Reunion Island) an opportunity to reconnect with their Indian roots through a sponsored pilgrimage tour across India. It is a 17-days program conducted in coordination with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) for those PIOs who belong to lower income groups and are unable to afford a visit to India (Ministry of External Affairs, 2023).
Vande Bharat Mission
During the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India has undertaken the Vande Bharat Mission in 2020-2021 to repatriate Indian nationals and also to facilitate travel of passengers between India and various parts of the world. More than 2,17,000 flights were operated under this mission and over 1.83 crore passengers were facilitated, and considered as the world’s largest evacuation operation with the return of upwards of 500,000 Indians from over 130 countries (Press Information Bureau, 2021).
Initiatives for Youth
Know India Program (KIP)
It was launched in 2003 as a three-week orientation program aimed at helping the youth of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) connect with their roots. It promotes awareness among Indian diasporas between 21-35 years of age, about different facets of life in India and national progress made across various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science and technology, communication and information technology, and culture (Ministry of External Affairs, 2024).
Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC)
To support the undergraduate studies of children of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) at Indian universities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India funds the Scholarship Program for Diaspora Children (SPDC) which was started in 2006. By partially funding tuition, housing, and other associated costs, the program lessens the financial burden of higher education in India. In addition to encouraging youth of Indian descent to pursue higher education in India, the SPDC seeks to strengthen cultural linkages and assist diaspora families in obtaining high-quality education (Press Information Bureau, 2014).
Study India Program (SIP)
It was first launched in the year 2012 with the aim of connecting the young Indian Diaspora with India through the channel of educational institutions. The SIP enables Overseas Indian youth to undergo short term courses in an Indian University to familiarize them with the history, heritage, art, culture, socio-political, economic developments etc. of India. The focus of the program is on academic orientation and research. The cost of boarding, lodging, local transportation, course fee during the program and 90% of the cost of air-ticket by economy class is borne by the Government of India (Press Information Bureau, 2014).
Research and Fellowship Initiatives
Many research programs, scholarships and fellowships have been introduced by the Government of India to allow overseas Indian scientists and academics to work in publicly funded Indian institutions and universities and contribute with research in life sciences, modern biology, biotechnology, and other related areas which are as follows (ICMPD, ILO, 2022) :-
- Ramanujan Fellowship: This fellowship provides attractive opportunities to Indian researchers abroad who are below 40 years of age, to work in the areas of science, engineering, and medicine.
- Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship: This program encourages Indian scientists, interested in returning to India, to pursue research in life sciences, modern biology, biotechnology, and other related areas.
- Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN): This is a higher education program aimed at leveraging the talent pool of Indian scientists and entrepreneurs abroad.
- Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit: This summit is a collaborative initiative to create an ecosystem of knowledge and innovation in India through global outreach.
- Pravasi Bharatiya Academic and Scientific Sampark (PRABHASS): This interactive digital platform engages the global Indian science and technology community to address India’s societal challenges.
- Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme: This scheme aims to bring overseas Indian scientists and academics to India to work in publicly funded institutions and universities through time-limited contracts.
Digital Consular Services
e-Migrate Portal: It was launched in the year 2014 to make the migration process simple, transparent and workers-friendly for Indians seeking employment abroad. It seamlessly brings all stakeholders, including Foreign Employers (FEs), registered Recruiting Agents (RAs) and the prospective emigrants on a common platform and enables MEA to capture a comprehensive and online database. In order to address any query or issue, there is a dedicated helpline and support system for assisting emigrants and other stakeholders. The revamped portal eMigrate-V2.0 was updated in 2024 which offers several features such as; integrating it with Digi Locker to provide for storage and access by users of documents across the world; Common Services Centers (CSC) to enable delivery of emigration related services through its network of over 5 lakh centers across the country; UMANG for providing access to pan-India e-Gov services; BHASHINI to enable access to information in regional languages; SBI e-pay for provisioning of an additional digital payment gateway with zero transaction charges; Bureau of Immigration for seamless and hassle free travel of emigrants; Passport Seva Portal for e-verification of Passports, insurance companies for procurement of mandatory PBBY policy etc. (Ministry of External Affairs, 2025).
Global Pravasi Rishta Portal: Itis the Indian government’s web and app-based portal launched in 2020 to establish a three-way communication between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, and the diaspora. PIOs, NROs and OCIs are invited to register on the portal which will be used by consular officers for crisis-related communication (including alerts, advisories, and information on visa, passport, immigration and other consular services) and help diaspora connect to the variety of government schemes available (Hodiwala, 2022).
Madad: The MADAD portal is an online grievance redressal system launched by the Ministry of External Affairs as part of “good governance” initiative in 2015 to provide assistance and support to Indians living abroad. It helps the users to track their complaints online and improve coordination between Indian Embassies, Consulates for faster resolution of grievances representing qualitative improvement over existing procedures (Press India Bureau, 2015).
State Government Programs for the Diaspora
The State governments in India have also started engaging with the diaspora people with a focus on providing institutional support, investment and maintaining cultural ties. It reflects a growing shift towards decentralized and proactive diaspora governance at the state level. These key initiatives are as follows: –
Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (NORKA)
The state of Kerala was first to establish a dedicated department in 1996 to address the grievances of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) in an attempt to strengthen the relationship between the NRKs and the Government of Kerala and to improve the administrative framework. The nodal agency of NORKA, known as NORKA Roots was established in 2002 which actively supports the Government of Kerala in addressing NRK grievances, safeguarding their rights, and facilitating the rehabilitation of returning emigrants. During Covid-19 pandemic, the NORKA Roots portal facilitated registration from people all around the world to request to return to Kerala. It has been a cornerstone in empowering and connecting the global NRK community with the opportunities and support (NORKA Roots, n.d.).
Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Society (APNRTS)
It was established in 2016 as a fully-owned entity of the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, to cater the welfare, safety, service, development and association of settled as well as returning Telugu migrants from Andhra Pradesh spread across various countries. It is the single point of contact for all matters related to NRIs and migrant workers from Andhra Pradesh as well as their needs and requests. APNRTS offers various free services to the migrant workers and their dependent family members on behalf of the state Government (APNRTS, 2026).
Rajasthan Foundation
It is an Indian government organization in Rajasthan which was founded in 2001 with the objective of promoting the interests and concerns of Non-resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) settled in India and abroad and to strengthen relationships between the people of Rajasthan and NRRs for mutual benefit. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan serves as the chairperson of the foundation. It works towards Connecting Global and Indian NRRs to their roots, culture, and heritage, and enhancing their belongingness to their homeland as well as providing a forum for continuous communication and interaction between NRRs, the State of Rajasthan, and its various agencies (Rajasthan Pravasi Foundation, n.d.).
Mizo Diaspora Hub
Mizoram launched the Mizo Diaspora Hub, a comprehensive digital platform in 2025 to connect and coordinate as well as foster ethnic ties among different Mizo communities living in different parts of the world. The portal allows Mizo welfare associations to communicate with each other and access helpful tools, which will aid in collective action and better coordination (The South Asian Times, 2025). The platform is expected to be useful in times of emergencies, policy formulation, and outreach initiatives for its diaspora people.
Uttar Pradesh NRI Department
It was established in 2014 to strengthen ties between the state and its overseas people. Its broader vision is to build a strong relationship between Uttar Pradesh and its global diaspora community while promoting the state’s growth and development by protecting the interests of overseas Indians from the state, providing support and grievance redressal services, and creating opportunities for investment, cultural engagement, and collaboration (UP NRI, n.d.).
Conclusion
The different programs and initiatives by the Indian government highlights the growing importance of the diaspora people as a part of its global identity and development. These programs have created a strong and responsive engagement framework, where both the central as well as state governments have tried to create inclusive and supportive policy initiatives. This not only helps the overseas Indians to stay connected with its roots, but also encourages them to contribute to India’s social, economic and cultural development.
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