Engaging Diaspora for national interest: the linkages of the Indian community in the US with the homeland

PM Manmohan Singh Post independence overseas Indians have served as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between India and their adopted homes abroad India 2nd largest Diaspora after China, 21.6 million( MOIA,2013), strong presence in the US (2.3 million) US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher Things have changed in last 20 years. Pakistan is no longer our ally and India is no longer ally of the Soviet Union. What we have now- an ally in India and an enemy in Pakistan Do not get back into hyphenation business( Indo-Pak) India-US relations: US condemnation of attack on Parliament on 13th dec 2001 and Mumbai attack, Indias acceptance of FBI investigation into the Mumbai attack, US understanding of India attending 16th NAM summit at Tehran, India differing from Iran and Syria issues, India voting with US on important issues like SL, condemnation of Devyani Khobragade incident by Indo-American chamber of commerce, protest against Wharton-Narendra Modi issue, Jhumpa Lahiri appointment in Obamas committee on Arts and humanities Reason for this tie: India found itself friendless in hostile international environment, trade liberalization, 9/11 incident, realization of US that that India is emerging market and emerging power, Indian Diaspora- being best educated, highest earning,kargil issue, nuclear test issue,donation during Orissa cyclone, Gujrat and Latur earthquake, umbilical ties to Indian IT sector,, getting better organized and vocal, silicon valley- 700 companies headed by Indians, highly educated prosperous professional Regular visits by American Presidents in last 15 years Serving NASA, important political posts, students going US for studies accelerating( 1lac)

Conclusion: Desi identity need to be maintained, American side needs to increase trade with India( now 1% trade). Role Diaspora could be transformed into a durable strategic partnership and partnership of peace and cooperation in the world.