"The New Internationalism" in Indian Politics: Expanding Diaspora Engagement....by KBS Sidhu

New Delhi, September 11, 2024: In the fast-paced whirl of globalization, Indian political leaders are racing to court the influential Indian diaspora, especially in powerhouse nations like the United States.

This new wave of "internationalism" is marked by a strategic effort to engage overseas Indian communities, with both Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge.

While Rahul Gandhi's ongoing visit to the USA, highlighted by a freewheeling interview at the University of Texas, Dallas, earned him applause from his supporters, the BJP was swift to counter, accusing him of tarnishing India’s image abroad.

On the other hand, Modi’s whirlwind tours of Poland, Ukraine, Singapore, Italy, and Russia have been carefully orchestrated to strengthen ties with Indian expats. As this diplomatic-cum-political dance unfolds, the trend offers exciting possibilities but also presents significant limitations and risks.

Our brief article delves into C. Raja Mohan’s analysis of this evolving strategy while adding fresh perspectives on its potential impact.

Key Points from the Article

Diaspora Engagement: A Growing Trend

Both major political parties in India, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are increasingly recognizing the value of engaging with the Indian diaspora.

Whether for electoral mobilisation, fundraising, or amplifying India's image abroad, this trend highlights the strategic importance attributed to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).

Historical Context: From Independence to Globalisation

Mohan traces the evolution of India's international engagement from its post-independence isolationist tendencies to its current status as a key player on the global stage. This shift has allowed Indian political actors to view the diaspora not merely as migrants but as influential participants in shaping India’s image globally.

Economic Implications: India's Growing Global Role

The article further highlights India’s rising economic power and its deepening integration into global markets as key drivers behind this "new internationalism." As India seeks to attract investment and talent, engaging the diaspora has become a natural extension of its economic strategy.

Political Strategy: Expanding Influence Through Diaspora

Mohan emphasises that this outreach is not just about economic engagement but also a conscious effort to expand political influence abroad.

By connecting with Indian-origin voters in key countries, Indian political leaders aim to shape global narratives about India, thereby amplifying their influence on international platforms.

Additional Perspectives: A More Nuanced View

While the article by C. Raja Mohan paints an optimistic picture of diaspora engagement as part of India’s evolving internationalism, several limitations and challenges temper this optimism.

Voting Rights: Limited Electoral Impact

Despite the increasing engagement with the diaspora, most NRIs are foreign citizens who do not have the right to vote in Indian elections. Even those who hold Indian passports seldom return to the country specifically to cast their votes.

This severely limits the direct electoral impact that the diaspora can have on Indian elections. While political leaders may hope for some indirect influence through family networks, the tangible effect remains constrained.

Overestimating Diaspora Influence

The article suggests that the Indian diaspora can significantly influence their families and friends back home in India. However, this influence may be overstated.The geographical and cultural distance between the diaspora and contemporary India often means that many NRIs may not fully grasp the nuances of domestic political and social issues.

Furthermore, the daily realities faced by citizens in India are quite different from those of the diaspora, making it challenging for NRIs to shape opinions effectively.

Financial Constraints: Funding Regulations

Another limitation is the stringent regulations governing financial contributions from abroad under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)

These rules restrict the ability of diaspora members to fund political campaigns or activities in India directly. Therefore, while the diaspora may provide moral support, their financial contributions are strictly regulated, limiting their role in practical terms.

Media Coverage: A Localised Phenomenon

While high-profile visits by Indian political leaders to diaspora communities often generate headlines in Indian media, their coverage in the international press is relatively limited.This raises the question of whether these engagements are truly altering India’s global image or if they primarily serve as spectacles for the domestic audience. The global impact of such visits is often overstated when viewed through the lens of Indian media.

Domestic Focus: Aimed at Indian Electorate

Despite the international setting of these events, the primary audience may be domestic. Indian politicians are keenly aware of the electoral value of showcasing a global presence to voters back home.

Thus, the outreach to the diaspora may serve as a means of signalling the party’s global influence to Indian voters rather than an attempt to exert substantial sway over foreign policy or opinion.

Symbolic vs. Substantive Influence

Much of this diaspora engagement may be more symbolic than substantive in terms of policy influence. These international visits often serve as public relations exercises, offering little in the way of concrete policy shifts.

They provide an opportunity for political leaders to highlight India’s growing global stature but are unlikely to result in significant policy changes or global influence.

In Summary: Domestic Gains Over Global Impact

While the "new internationalism" in Indian politics represents a noteworthy shift in strategy, its practical impact on electoral outcomes and policy-making may be more limited than the article by C. Raja Mohan suggests.

The direct influence of the diaspora on Indian elections remains minimal due to legal and logistical constraints, and the media portrayal of these international visits may give an inflated sense of global impact.Ultimately, the primary value of these diaspora engagements lies in shaping domestic perceptions rather than significantly altering India's international standing.

In essence, these visits should be viewed as part of a broader public relations strategy aimed at bolstering domestic political credentials rather than a transformative force in international politics.

While India's growing engagement with its diaspora is undoubtedly an important trend, its real significance may lie in its symbolic power within India itself, rather than in any direct influence on global narratives or electoral outcomes.

September 11, 2024