Modi’s diaspora connect

Modi’s diaspora connect
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Highlights

The adulation and ovations lavished on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Australia has been an issue of political rhetoric also.

The adulation and ovations lavished on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Australia has been an issue of political rhetoric also. Leaders of major political parties have brandished the euphoria of the Indian diaspora in Australia and earlier in USA with outlandish remarks. In reality, the Prime Minister represents the country and hence his personality and outreach reflects the mood of the nation as such. The outburst and flak of the political rivals of Prime Minister, who was once loathed, is understandable, but the enthusiasm and cheer displayed by Indian diaspora in foreign lands is unprecedented. A decade-long subservience and meekness had pushed India into an arena of debilitation. India had been reeling under conflicting relationships with all its immediate neighbours. Our economy and even citizens withered under the diffident leadership of the UPA regime.

Post-Independence India with its vast resources and huge demographic dividend grossly underperformed relative to its potential due to ludicrous socialist policies. As a result, a large number of Indians migrated to greener pastures for economic reasons, predominantly in 1960s to the West and the Gulf Nations. However, by wooing NRIs, Modi has successfully annihilated the guilt-tripping the diaspora. He strategically utilised the platform, both at Madison Square Garden and the Allphones Arena in Sydney, to convince the Indian diaspora to invest in India. Till now, the Indian leadership had failed to garner the interest evinced by the diaspora to contribute to their roots. Modi aroused their interest in the development of motherland and commended their hard work and determination in rebuilding their lives abroad.

If the Indian diaspora spread across nearly 183 countries intends to generously invest its wealth and expertise for the progress of India, its growth run can gain real momentum. China’s transformation too was heralded by its diaspora abroad. In the 21st century, the process of nation-building is no longer the sole domain of government, people have to spearhead it. Modi through his exemplary oratory won over the diaspora yearning for a developed nation tag to India. But the exuberant oratory has to be followed up with actions to direct their energy and efforts to develop India.


Astounding welcome extended to Modi in the US and Australia indicates that the diaspora takes special pride in welcoming their leaders in foreign lands to showcase their belongingness and affinity towards their roots in India. Modi has been successful in presenting himself as a dynamic and endearing personality whom NRIs began idolising. The final leg of Modi’s 10-day tour which included a visit to Fiji, an island in Pacific Ocean, was of special importance. Almost 37% of the population of the island is constituted by the Indians who migrated over a century back. Their unflinching belongingness towards their roots received a major fillip with his visit.

Romancing with PIOs and NRIs cannot be dismissed as publicity stunt for it helped in amassing the diaspora’s spirit of connectivity to motherland. The burgeoning popularity of Modi can be attributed to his ebullient personality and astute leadership which enthralled the diaspora.

In a bid to facilitate their investments, Modi promised visa-on-arrival, and also pushed for a reduction in the remittances costs of non-residents at the G-20 summit. Subsequently, G-20 pledged to slash the cost of transaction remittances to 5%. Remittance flows will drive sustainable and balanced growth of India.

Alongside, the investment climate in India must improve and economic reforms which render domestic policy liberal and transparent must be in place. According to a World Bank estimate, more than 215 million people live outside their country of birth and most of them send money back home. In 2013, India received a whopping $70 billion remittances from its diaspora.

Modi supporters are now eagerly waiting for another bash at Wembley Stadium next year. For BJP vaulting high on Modi’s oratory may no longer drive crowds in foreign land until the diaspora is really convinced of his commitment which has to be reflected in his economic reforms.

Further won’t it be more prudent if netas and media persons refrain from scanning every issue through a political angle? On the other hand, the iconic trip to Myanmar, Australia and Fiji can be reckoned as an attempt by an affirmative Indian leadership to reclaim its status on the global platform. Against the looming dragon influence over the trans-Pacific and South-East Asian Region, India should, indeed, aggressively pursue its strategic interests by warming up to its neighbours and rejuvenating old ties with other nations.

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