The Indian diaspora is becoming increasingly salient to the politics of the homeland. Competition between parties in India has now extended overseas, with each trying to tailor a message for the diaspora. This trend has been strengthened by globalisation and the influence of what Arjun Appadurai calls the “mediascape”, in which national boundaries are blurred. Narratives, messages and political opinions in India are now influenced, to an extent, by the community abroad.
The influence of the diaspora on the politics of the homeland, however, has a long history. During the anti-colonial struggle, the Indian diaspora in Fiji, Trinidad and Mauritius played an important role, as did migrants in the US and Britain. Each group contributed in their own way. We know V D Savarkar and leaders of the Gadar Party were located abroad while fighting for independence. Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj got enormous support from diaspora communities. For some time after independence, migrant communities were mainly used to advocate for India in countries such as the US and UK. Now, though, overseas Indians are also becoming influential in the politics of the homeland once again.
One reason for this is that in the digital age, image and optics have become far more important. The political narratives emerging from the diaspora are an increasingly significant factor in shaping domestic political opinion. This is happening for two reasons: First, those settled in developed countries have been considered aspirational role models in our society. Second, they can create a favourable image – or at least underline the need to take seriously – the Indian political parties they support to the governments of their destination nations.
Migrants play a significant political role on social media. They also mobilise donations and undertake various social campaigns of significance. Recently, during elections, NRIs have even been political volunteers.
Due to this growing importance of diasporic communities, Congress has established an overseas wing, being helmed for all practical purposes by Sam Pitroda. The BJP has long had a powerful presence overseas. AAP, especially vis a vis Punjab, is also in this game. Regional outfits like the Telegu Desam Party ensure that they maintain a connection with migrants from the region.
Modi and the BJP, in particular, have realised the changing role of the diaspora. In the US, UK, Germany and even France, events and media coverage (both traditional and digital) have been used to create and showcase grand spectacles of support for the PM and ruling party. This has been a crucial aspect of the “image building” of the PM.
More recently, we have observed Rahul Gandhi critiquing the PM and BJP not only in India but abroad as well. Debates on the nature of Indian democracy – with Rahul challenging the BJP’s narrative and the latter, presenting India as a more powerful and prosperous country – are taking place in multiple geographies and mediums.
The respect and welcomes that the PM has received on his foreign visits are in part due to the importance of the diaspora and they help burnish his image and political capital. Among the diaspora, there is a popular perception that due to PM Modi’s governance and his focus on migrant communities, respect for them has increased in host nations.
To be clear, the diaspora is significant not just in the US, Canada, UK and Australia but also in Europe and the Middle East. As the 2024 election cycle gathers pace, the hearts and minds of Indians abroad will continue to be a factor.
The writer is professor, Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad
