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Subject: Indian Diaspora

  • US Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

    Why in News?

    The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born in the United States are citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

    What is Birthright Citizenship?

    • Birthright citizenship is the automatic acquisition of citizenship by virtue of birth. There are two main principles:
      • Jus Soli (Right of the Soil): Citizenship is granted based on place of birth.
      • Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): Citizenship is determined by the nationality of one or both parents.

    US Position

    • Governed by the Fourteenth Amendment (1868).
    • Provides citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction.
    • Intended originally to guarantee citizenship to formerly enslaved people after the American Civil War.
    • Recognizes limited exceptions: Children of foreign diplomats. Children of enemy forces during hostile occupation.

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A Citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstance.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3

    [D] 2 and 3

  • ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.

    With over 32 million PIOs and NRIs spread across 200 countries, the Indian diaspora has become one of the most influential transnational communities in the world.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Politics

    Political Representation: Growing Indian-origin leadership at top levels. Eg- Kamala Harris (US Vice President), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister), Leo Varadkar (Irish PM)

    Legislative Influence: shape progressive policies on trade, technology, and social justice. Eg- Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna

    Policy Advocacy: Indian diaspora groups like USINPAC and Indiaspora influence US policy on immigration (H-1B visas), education, and bilateral cooperation.

    Community Mobilisation: Eg- Political events like ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’

    Bridge for Strategic Partnerships by fostering dialogue and diplomacy. Eg- role in Indo-US civil nuclear deal

    Representation of Diversity: Their success promotes multiculturalism and inclusion in Western democracies

    Peacebuilding Role by facilitating intercultural dialogue and countering xenophobia. Eg- Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City.

    Role of Indian Diaspora in Economy

    Corporate Leadership: Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft) etc drive innovation and digital transformation.

    Entrepreneurship and Start-ups: Eg- Rishi Khosla (OakNorth Bank, UK) and Kunal Nayyar (Series Investor)

    Over 3 lakh Indian IT professionals in the US and highest number of EU Blue Card holders among immigrants in Europe.

    Research and Innovation: Strong presence in STEM fields, academia, and medicine

    Philanthropy and Social Impact: contribute to educational endowments, healthcare funding, and start-up mentoring.

    Their high purchasing power and participation in services, finance, and technology contribute directly to GDP and employment growth in host countries.

    Challenges

    Security Threats – Eg- Khalistani groups in Canada

    Issues of discrimination and racism

    Brain Drain concerns

    As PM Narendra Modi noted, “The Indian diaspora is our global ambassador of talent, trust, and transformation.” Thus, sustained institutional dialogue is essential.

  • Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

    With over 32 million PIOs and NRIs spread across 200 countries, the Indian diaspora has become one of the most influential transnational communities in the world.

    Indian Diaspora Scaling New Heights

    Kamala HarrisVice President of the USA

    Sundar PichaiCEO of Alphabet (Google)

    Rishi SunakPrime Minister of the UK

    Anita AnandMinister of Defence, Canada

    Leo VaradkarPrime Minister of Ireland

    Indra Nooyi – Former CEO of PepsiCo

    Leena NairCEO of Chanel

    Economic Benefits

    Remittances – strengthen foreign exchange reserves and domestic consumption. Eg- In 2024-25, India received $135 billion, the highest in the world (World Bank).

    Investment – Successful diaspora members invest in Indian startups, real estate, and venture capital. Eg- Silicon Valley-Bangalore corridor

    Trade and Business Networks – Diaspora acts as a bridge for exports and market access. Enhances India’s competitiveness in Western markets.

    Indiaspora network and initiatives like Pratham, Akshaya Patra, IIT Alumni Foundations channel diaspora philanthropy to education and health.

    Knowledge Transfer – Highly skilled diaspora professionals contribute to knowledge flow, R&D collaboration, and technological innovation in India.

    University Collaborations- Diaspora academics help forge institutional tie-ups. Eg- Indo-US Science & Technology Forum.

    Brain Circulation- Reverse migration of skilled professionals enhances India’s innovation capacity.

    Political Benefits

    Lobbying and Advocacy for India-friendly trade, defense, and immigration policies. Eg- Strong diaspora lobbying contributed to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal (2008).

    Soft Power Promotion through festivals, yoga days, and cultural events. Eg- Diwali celebration in White House

    Representation in International Platforms elevate India’s presence in multilateral decision-making. Eg- Gita Gopinath – Chief Economist, IMF.

    Bilateral Relations – facilitate closer diplomatic ties and mutual understanding between India and host countries. Eg- Kamala Harris (US) and Rishi Sunak (UK)

    Countering Anti-India Narratives- Diaspora think tanks and professionals help counter misinformation on Kashmir, CAA, or farmers’ protests.

    Challenges

    Security Threats – Eg- Khalistani groups in Canada

    Issues of discrimination and racism

    Brain Drain concerns

    As PM Narendra Modi noted, “The Indian diaspora is our global ambassador of talent, trust, and transformation.” Thus, sustained institutional dialogue is essential.