Focus on ‘Indians Abroad’ Became a Pillar of India’s Foreign Policy Success

Introduction

With nearly 9 million Indians living and working in the Persian Gulf region, often referred to as India’s extended neighborhood, the influence of India’s diaspora-focused foreign policy has been most pronounced in this area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the role of the Indian diaspora into a key element of foreign policy, connecting deeply with Indians abroad and leveraging their contributions to strengthen India’s global stature.

A Historic Visit to Kuwait

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, marked a historic moment as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. Acknowledging the delay, Modi quipped that while it takes only four hours to fly from India to Kuwait, it took four decades for a Prime Minister to make the journey. True to his approach, the visit featured a high-profile event with the Indian diaspora, ‘Hala Modi,’ which drew massive crowds. Modi also visited a labor camp housing Indian workers, further emphasizing his personal connection with Indians abroad.

Indians Abroad: India’s Ambassadors

Prime Minister Modi has often referred to Indians abroad as “India’s ambassadors,” a sentiment he has translated into action by making the diaspora a central element of his foreign policy strategy. While previous Prime Ministers interacted with the diaspora, none have done so as effectively or consistently as the Modi government over the past 11 years.

Evolution of the ‘Indians Abroad’ Policy

The credit for institutionalizing this approach goes to the first Modi government, particularly to Sushma Swaraj, the late External Affairs Minister. Swaraj’s compassionate and innovative public communication skills revolutionized the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), breaking the perception of foreign affairs as an elite and exclusive domain.

Social Media as a Tool for Connectivity

Under Swaraj’s leadership, Indian embassies worldwide became active on social media platforms, particularly Twitter (now ‘X’). She instructed embassies to respond promptly to any distress calls from Indians abroad. Her witty and empathetic style won hearts, as demonstrated by her famous remark, “Even if you are stuck on Mars, the Indian Embassy will help you.”

Resolving Issues Through Innovation

The innovative use of social media often resolved issues ranging from lost passports to reuniting families. Initiatives like ‘Twitter Seva,’ launched in December 2016, streamlined the MEA’s responses to distress calls. Such measures not only built confidence among Indians abroad but also kept embassies proactive and responsive.

Expanding Passport Services

The proliferation of Passport Seva Kendras in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities further demonstrated the government’s commitment to easing access to essential services. By 2022, the number of passport offices had increased from 110 in 2014 to over 550, making the process more accessible for millions.

Ensuring the Safety of Indians Abroad

The Modi government’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of Indians abroad has been a hallmark of its foreign policy.

High-Profile Rescue Operations

From ‘Operation Raahat’ in Yemen (2015) to ‘Operation Ganga’ during the Russia-Ukraine war (2022), India has consistently prioritized evacuating its citizens from conflict zones. Notably, India’s evacuation efforts have also extended to foreign nationals, showcasing its reliability and diplomatic acumen.

Individual Rescues

The government’s efforts have included rescuing individuals like Father Tom Uzhunnalil, a priest kidnapped in Yemen, and securing the release of eight Indian ex-Navy personnel sentenced to death in Qatar. Such cases highlight India’s deft diplomacy and commitment to its citizens.

Signature Diaspora Events

Large-scale diaspora events have become signature moments during Modi’s international visits. From Madison Square Garden in New York (2014) to ‘Howdy Modi’ in Houston (2019) and ‘Hala Modi’ in Kuwait (2024), these events showcase the influence and enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora. Foreign leaders, too, have taken note, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese famously comparing Modi’s reception to that of rock star Bruce Springsteen.

Economic Contributions of the Diaspora

Indians abroad play a vital role in India’s economy, with remittances reaching $125 billion in 2023 and projected to touch $130 billion in 2024. These contributions ensure economic stability for families and support India’s GDP growth. The diaspora’s influence is also evident in gestures like the UAE’s gifting of land for a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated by Modi in February 2024.

Conclusion

The Modi government’s ‘Indians Abroad First’ policy has redefined India’s foreign policy by leveraging the diaspora’s economic, cultural, and political influence. This approach has strengthened India’s global outreach, built goodwill, and reinforced the narrative of a ‘greater India’ on the world stage. As India’s stature as a global leader continues to rise, the contributions of its diaspora remain an indispensable part of its success story.