India’s 35 Million–Strong Diaspora: Pride Without Power?

Every January, we celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas with pomp and pride. Politicians beam about the 35 million Indians abroad, often calling them “India’s ambassadors to the world.” We highlight the parade of Indian-origin CEOs — Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Arvind Krishna — as proof that Indian talent dominates global boardrooms. We’ve even sweetened the deal with OCI cards, allowing them to keep a foot in the Indian door.

And yet, when it comes to protecting India’s core economic interests, this vast network has been silent — sometimes uncomfortably so.

The Test Case: US Tariffs

When the United States imposed tariffs affecting Indian goods — steel, aluminium, and later other sectors — New Delhi expected that the strong Indian-American presence, especially in policy circles and corporate corridors, might help soften the blow. After all, this is the same diaspora that India celebrates at every opportunity.

But there was no organized lobbying, no public campaign, no high-profile voices condemning the move. The Indian-American community, despite its political clout and economic influence, remained on the sidelines.

Why the Silence?

1. National Loyalty vs. Cultural Roots
   Most diaspora members, especially those in positions of power, are now citizens of their adopted countries. When push comes to shove, their legal and political obligations lie there, not here.
2. Corporate Priorities Over National Affection
   A CEO’s primary responsibility is to shareholders, not to the land of their birth. Supporting India against their own government’s trade policy is simply not in their job description.
3. Fear of Political Backlash
   Openly lobbying against a domestic policy of their host country can invite suspicion, accusations of dual loyalty, and professional risk.

The Harsh Reality

We love to imagine that the Indian diaspora is a geopolitical asset, ready to rally for India in times of need. The truth is more sobering: diaspora influence is circumstantial. It can shine in cultural promotion, philanthropy, and bilateral business ties — but when a direct clash of interests arises, their loyalties will align with their passports.

This isn’t betrayal. It’s simply the reality of migration and assimilation.

Rethinking Our Approach

India must recognize that diaspora goodwill ≠ diaspora activism. We can still take pride in their achievements, but we must stop assuming they are a dependable lobbying force for India’s political battles. Instead:

• Build our own institutional lobbying capacity abroad.
• Strengthen government-to-government channels rather than relying on soft power alone.
• Appreciate diaspora contributions where they are effective, but not confuse sentiment with strategy.

Conclusion

Our 35 million–strong diaspora is a source of pride, culture, and connection — but not a shield in economic warfare. They have built lives elsewhere, and when forced to choose, they will side with the nations that now claim their allegiance.

India can celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, hand out OCI cards, and beam at the success of Indian-origin leaders. But let’s also accept the reality: in the moments of geopolitical friction, we stand alone.

Brain Drain Isn’t the Villain You Think It Is

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ve probably seen every group in India come up with its own pet theory on why people are leaving the country.

• Caste-focused commentators insist it’s because of reservations.
• Wealthy elites think it’s because the government “wastes” resources on freebies for the poor.
• Middle-class warriors are convinced it’s all about potholes and bad roads.

Each narrative conveniently fits their worldview, but all miss the elephant in the room.

The uncomfortable truth? When $1 equals ₹86, the economic pull is irresistible. Even if Indian roads matched German autobahns tomorrow, skilled professionals would still emigrate. The wage arbitrage is simply too powerful to ignore — a software engineer earning $120,000 in Silicon Valley versus ₹12 lakhs in Bangalore faces a lifestyle differential that transcends policy grievances.

But here’s what the doomsday crowd won’t tell you: brain drain isn’t economic suicide for India.

The Numbers That Matter

Over 630,000 Indians emigrated in 2024 alone, contributing to the world’s largest diaspora of 35.4 million people spread across 180 countries. Yet this “loss” generates India’s biggest economic win: $135.46 billion in remittances in FY25 — a 14% jump from the previous year and the highest globally.

To put this in perspective:

• India’s remittances are nearly double Mexico’s $68 billion (second place)
• They offset 47% of India’s $287 billion trade deficit
• Remittances have more than doubled from $61 billion in 2016–17
• They exceed India’s total FDI inflows, making them the most stable source of external financing

18.5 million overseas Indians now work in advanced economies, sending money that sustains millions of households back home. The US alone contributes 27.7% of these flows, followed by Gulf countries at 38% collectively.

Beyond Money: Cultural Soft Power

The diaspora has transformed into India’s most effective cultural ambassadors. Diwali is now celebrated in New York’s Times Square thanks to Indian-Americans. London’s Southall, Toronto’s Little India, and Sydney’s Harris Park showcase Indian festivals, cuisine, and traditions to global audiences.

This isn’t just feel-good multiculturalism — it’s strategic soft power that:

• Builds bilateral diplomatic ties through people-to-people connections
• Attracts tourism and investment to India through positive branding
• Creates business networks that facilitate trade and technology transfer
• Influences policy in host countries favorable to India’s interests

The Brain Circulation Reality

Modern migration isn’t one-way hemorrhaging — it’s brain circulation. Many emigrants eventually return with global experience, capital, and networks. Even those who stay permanently often:

• Invest in Indian startups and real estate
• Collaborate with Indian institutions on research and innovation
• Mentor Indian entrepreneurs through accelerator programs
• Bridge technology gaps between India and developed markets

The Real Conversation We’re Avoiding

Yes, India loses talent. But focusing only on the loss while ignoring the ₹11+ lakh crore annual remittance inflow is economic myopia. The question isn’t how to stop emigration — it’s how to maximize the benefits while building domestic opportunities that eventually attract global talent, including our own, back home.

Countries like Ireland, South Korea, and China leveraged their diasporas as economic engines during their development phases. India is already doing this unconsciously — now it needs to do it strategically.

The brain drain debate needs nuance, not nationalist hand-wringing. When 630,000 Indians leave but 35 million Indians abroad send home $135 billion, maybe it’s time to reframe emigration from pure loss to complex opportunity.

Bottom line: Brain drain hurts, but diaspora dividends help — and the numbers prove the latter outweighs the former.