India’s global diaspora and the political implications of new citizenship policies
India manages the world’s largest international diaspora of 18 million people, and its global citizenship policy implications have become more important. The numbers are even more striking in 2024, with over 35 million Indians now living worldwide. More than 15 million are classified as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), while the rest are Persons of Indian Origin (PIO). This massive global presence makes up about 2% of India’s total population and carries economic influence worth nearly 1 trillion dollars.
The Indian diaspora’s definition becomes clear when we look at its various categories and the changing relationship between diaspora and citizenship. The government has involved its global citizens through special programs like Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). Last year alone saw over 170,000 OCI cards issued. Indian diaspora members have achieved remarkable success in their new countries while keeping strong connections to India. So, India continues to lead the world in remittances, as Indians abroad sent 107 billion dollars to their families during the 2023-24 financial year. A 32.854 million strong diaspora spread across 210 countries serves as the foundation for India’s diplomatic relationships worldwide.
Understanding the Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora is a diverse global community that exceeds continental, cultural, and temporal boundaries. This transnational network shows various migration and settlement patterns that have evolved through centuries.
Who is part of the global Indian diaspora?
About 35.4 million people make up the global Indian diaspora, spread across 210 countries. The Gulf region, North America, and Europe host most of this big community. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) split the population almost equally, with 13.5 million NRIs and 18.7 million PIOs.
Gulf countries host the majority of NRIs, with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait home to over 7.6 million. Western nations attract most PIOs, and the US, UK, and Canada together have roughly 6.6 million, making up 40% of all PIOs worldwide.
Indian diaspora definition and categories
People currently living outside India, either temporarily or permanently, and those with Indian ancestry form the Indian diaspora. This definition covers several migration waves throughout history – from colonial-era indentured laborers to modern professionals seeking opportunities in developed economies.
The government classifies overseas Indians into three official categories: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). The PIO category merged with the OCI scheme in 2015, making the system simpler.
Difference between NRI, PIO, and OCI
Indian citizens who live abroad are called NRIs. Tax laws define an NRI as someone who stays outside India for at least 182 days in a financial year. These individuals keep their Indian citizenship and passport.
PIOs were foreign citizens who once held an Indian passport or had ancestors born in territories that became part of India. This excluded people from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The government abolished this category in 2015 and merged it with OCI.
Foreign citizens with OCI status enjoy special privileges through a lifelong visa. They can enter India multiple times without registering with authorities, regardless of their stay length. OCIs get economic, financial, and educational benefits similar to NRIs, except they can’t buy agricultural properties. They also can’t vote in Indian elections, hold public office, or work in certain government positions.
The Evolution of Citizenship Policies
India’s citizenship policies for people living abroad have changed a lot in the last two decades. These changes show how the country’s view of diaspora and citizenship relationships has evolved.
The origin of PIO and OCI schemes
The Indian government launched the PIO card scheme in 2002. This scheme helped foreign nationals who could prove their Indian ancestry up to three generations back. The government wanted to build stronger ties with the growing global Indian diaspora. The OCI scheme came into effect in August 2005 after changes to the Citizenship Act, 1955. This new initiative responded to repeated requests for “dual citizenship,” especially from Indian communities in North America and developed countries. The official launch of the scheme took place at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in 2006.
Merging of PIO and OCI in 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement to merge PIO and OCI cards on September 28, 2014. A gazetted order came out on September 30, 2014, that made PIO cards valid for life as long as holders kept their passports current. The government stopped issuing new PIO cards through another gazetted order on January 9, 2015, and combined the scheme with OCI. People who already had PIO cards became OCI cardholders, and their PIO cards got special marks for “lifelong validity”.
Key provisions of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2015
The Lok Sabha saw the introduction of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015 on February 27, 2015, which became law on March 10, 2015. This law made the merger of PIO and OCI schemes official. The government also got the power to register people as OCI cardholders in special cases, even if they didn’t meet the usual requirements.
Recent updates to OCI re-issuance rules
The rules for renewing OCI cards have become simpler. Card holders now only need to get their OCI card reissued once – when they get a new passport after turning 20. People who renew their passports before 20 or after 50 can just upload their new passport details and a recent photo online within three months. Different rules apply to foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders – they must upload proof of their marriage status along with passport updates.
Political Implications of New Citizenship Policies
Image Source: PWOnlyIAS
Indian citizenship policies shape the political landscape for both the diaspora community and the Indian state.
Voting rights and political participation
NRIs face major barriers to electoral participation despite their large numbers. They must return physically to India to cast votes at their registered polling stations. This requirement has resulted in only 120,000 registered NRI voters in 2024. The situation differs for OCIs who cannot vote at all.
OCI restrictions on government jobs and offices
The constitution clearly restricts OCIs from:
- Voting in Indian elections
- Holding legislative positions in Parliament or state assemblies
- Occupying constitutional posts such as President, Vice President, or Judge of Supreme/High Courts
- Securing appointments in public services unless specifically permitted by the Central Government
Impact on diaspora engagement with Indian politics
The diaspora maintains strong political connections despite these voting limitations. Political parties actively seek support from NRIs in states like Punjab, Gujarat, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh during elections. Campaign funding from the diaspora remains substantial, though exact figures are hard to track due to limited transparency in political financing.
How diaspora lobbying influences foreign policy
Diaspora organizations have successfully championed Indian interests abroad through history. Organizations like GOPIO (formed in 1989) and US-based diaspora communities have played vital roles in defeating anti-India legislation. They mobilized support during the 1998 nuclear tests and the 1999 Kargil War, while helping facilitate the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
Image Source: Springer Link – Open access
The future of indian diaspora global citizenship policy implications brings both intricate challenges and promising opportunities.
Grievance redressal and administrative hurdles
Overseas Indians face obstacles due to multiple contact points and non-standardized procedures. The government launched MADAD portal in 2015 as an online Consular Grievances Management System. Yet parliamentary committees point out that administrative bottlenecks continue to delay resolution.
Property rights and legal ambiguities
Property transactions in India create significant bureaucratic challenges for OCIs. They have ownership rights, but India’s complex property laws and regulatory requirements make specialized legal guidance essential.
Diaspora contributions: remittances and investments
Financial inflows hit a record USD 499.38 billion in FY 2025. These remittances make up 10% of India’s current account inflows and add 2-3% to GDP each year. NRI investment in real estate has surged from 12% in 2019 to 19% in 2024.
Need for better data and outreach programs
Limited authentic diaspora data and unclear policy documentation hamper meaningful involvement. Government authorities suggest establishing a national migration database with a complete policy framework.
Expanding eligibility to more generations
OCI eligibility now extends to fifth, sixth, and seventh generations in South Africa. PM Modi has also announced OCI cards for sixth-generation Indians in Trinidad and Tobago. These changes demonstrate India’s steadfast dedication to keeping ties with distant descendants.
India’s relationship with its diaspora has changed remarkably in recent decades. The progress from strict citizenship boundaries to inclusive policies shows how the nation values its global community as a strategic asset. The OCI schemes represent vital steps to deepen connections with Indians abroad while protecting constitutional safeguards.
Many overseas Indians face ongoing challenges. These include administrative obstacles, complex property rights issues, and limited chances for political participation. The diaspora still makes substantial contributions through remittances and investments that support India’s growth story.
The government’s decision to extend OCI eligibility to fifth, sixth, and seventh generations in countries like South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago reflects a progressive mindset. This policy recognizes that cultural ties remain strong across multiple generations, whatever the distance or time.
Better data collection and simplified administrative processes will maximize diaspora participation in the future. The gap between the diaspora’s economic influence and their political voice creates both challenges and chances for new policy development.
India faces a defining moment in its relationship with global citizens. The diaspora acts as cultural ambassadors and powerful economic and diplomatic assets. Their continued participation depends on how well India balances sovereignty concerns with its overseas population’s legitimate aspirations. The ongoing progress of citizenship policies will shape this vital relationship for decades to come.
