Indian Diaspora Between Politics and Business

The formation of a global Indian diaspora is one of the most important processes in the context of the ongoing globalization. Members of the diaspora are gradually occupying increasingly higher positions in the economic and political life of the recipient countries, but the benefits that India derives are the subject of much debate. There is a conception that as ethnic Indians advance to senior positions in big business and government agencies overseas, the economies and foreign policies of these countries become increasingly friendly to India. The author attempts to test this hypothesis analyzing three different cases: Mauritius, Fiji, and the USA. While in Mauritius the Indian diaspora constitutes the majority of the island’s population, the Indians remain a discriminated minority in Fiji. In the USA, the Indian diaspora has become an important part of the political landscape, with Indians occupying senior positions in all recent presidential administrations. The article concludes that the hypothesis about the potentially important role of the Indian diaspora is not confirmed in all three cases. In Mauritius, the diaspora perceives itself as part of the Mauritian nation and is not going to act in the political interests of the metropolis. The Indian diaspora in Fiji is more of a foreign policy challenge to India. Finally, the American Indian diaspora is reluctant to invest in key sectors of Indian industry, as politicians of Indian origin seek to confirm loyalty to their new homeland instead of acting in the interests of India.