Introduction

The Indian diaspora, among the world’s largest, has long been celebrated for fostering goodwill, investment, and soft power. Recently, however, incidents involving public religious celebrations such as Ganapati immersions and Deepavali fireworks in Western nations have drawn scrutiny. These events have ignited debate over “the limits of acceptable public behaviour” and whether expressions of cultural nationalism abroad risk alienating host nations or complicating India’s diplomacy.

Why in the News

A section of the Indian diaspora in developed countries, notably in Canada, the U.S., and Australia, has faced backlash after cultural events like Ganapati immersions in waterbodies and Diwali fireworks in public spaces. Following incidents such as houses catching fire during Deepavali celebrations in Edmonton, Canada, authorities issued advisories urging restraint. Anti-immigrant and nationalist groups in these countries are exploiting such events to fuel nativist campaigns against people of Indian origin. The issue is significant because it marks a new phase in diaspora visibility, from community pride to potential friction with local norms and foreign policy sensitivities.

India’s Diaspora Diplomacy: Changing Role

1. Strategic Asset: The diaspora historically served as India’s cultural ambassador, strengthening trade, investment, and soft power links.
2. Political Sensitivity: Earlier, India urged Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain apolitical in the domestic politics of their adopted countries, maintaining a careful balance.
3. Policy Shift: With the rise of Hindutva-oriented nationalism since the 1990s, diaspora activism has gained a new ideological and political tone, extending beyond cultural identity into transnational nationalism.

Why has cultural assertion turned contentious?

1. Rise of Hindutva Influence:
   • Ideological expansion: The ascent of Narendra Modi in 2014 intensified diaspora engagement rooted in nationalist pride.
   • Global networks: Indian-origin communities began hosting large-scale rallies reflecting Hindutva themes, echoing domestic politics abroad.
2. Shift from cultural to political nationalism:
   • Earlier Indian nationalism emphasized universal human rights and secular inclusion.
   • Now, diaspora activism mirrors territorial or cultural nationalism, often perceived as exclusive.
3. Public visibility: Increased religious processions and fireworks are seen as public displays of faith, once private, now overtly political in tone.

How are host nations responding to diaspora assertiveness?

1. Heightened scrutiny: Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia view foreign-linked activism with caution, citing fear of interference in domestic politics.
2. Parallel with other powers: While India avoids the level of hostility faced by Russia or China, New Delhi’s activities are increasingly monitored.
3. Examples of scrutiny:
   • In the U.S., foreign influence laws allow diaspora political activity if registered transparently.
   • Far-right and left-leaning figures alike, from Bernie Sanders to Tucker Carlson, have begun debating diaspora-linked influence.

Dual Citizenship Debate and “Nationalist Hype”

1. Legal context:
   • India does not allow dual citizenship, unlike the U.S.
   • However, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 introduced Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), a form of “dual citizenship in spirit, but not in law.”
2. Rights and limitations:
   • OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry, property and education rights, but cannot vote or hold public office.
   • This arrangement symbolizes India’s partial accommodation of diaspora identity while maintaining constitutional sovereignty.
3. Diplomatic sensitivity: The growing assertion of OCI holders in political protests abroad sometimes clashes with India’s principle of non-interference and host countries’ domestic politics.

Balancing Pride and Prudence: The Policy Challenge

1. Tightrope diplomacy: India must encourage diaspora pride without allowing overzealous nationalism to harm bilateral ties.
2. New geopolitical reality:
   • Rising global nationalism has made foreign societies less tolerant of visible ethnic politics.
   • India’s image as a pluralist democracy depends on diaspora restraint and inclusivity.
3. Foreign policy implications: The diaspora’s actions now intersect with strategic diplomacy, compelling New Delhi to redefine its soft power outreach with greater nuance.

Conclusion

India’s diaspora diplomacy today walks a fine line between cultural pride and political overreach. While the diaspora remains a pillar of India’s global image, unchecked assertions of religious nationalism can blur boundaries between identity and interference. Sustaining goodwill requires promoting inclusive Indian values abroad, rather than exporting domestic ideological divisions. A balanced diaspora policy, grounded in soft power, pluralism, and mutual respect, will ensure that India’s global citizens remain its greatest strength, not a diplomatic liability.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2023] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

Linkage: The topic is important as it reflects India’s growing global influence through its diaspora-driven economic, cultural, and political networks. The question links to how diaspora activism enhances India’s soft power yet demands careful diplomacy to avoid friction with the host nations.

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