The Indian diaspora plays a decisive role in leveraging India's economic interests and shaping its foreign policy. In this context, discuss the major challenges faced by the Indian diaspora and steps taken by India to enhance engagement with them. (Answer in 250 words)

Indian diaspora involves both the NRI and PIO. India has one of the largest diasporas in the world. Role of diaspora: - Unofficial diplomats help spread Indian culture, language, tradition - help attract FDI - Contributors of Remittances - significant for person-to-person diplomacy - Increase India's stature at global level - Spirit celebrated via Pravasi Bharatiya Divas every year (9 Jan)

Challenges faced by diaspora: (1) Conflict & Political Instability: Global events -> Russia-Ukraine, Shia-Sunni conflicts, invest in Sudan, Ethiopia causes rescue operations. (2) Discrimination: Rising xenophobic color-based discrimination RG Sikhs in USA (3) Pandemic & fragile health crisis Growing global epidemics hurt business environments & growth. (4) Protectionism and strict laws is a cause of great concern (e.g) Restrictions on H-1B Visa. e Indian migrant crisis: Exploitative system prevalent in Gulf countries eg Kafala system (6) Dual citizenship: Indians wish to retain their citizenship but are not able to do so.

Steps taken by India to engage diaspora: (1) Merger of Ministry of Overseas Affairs & MEA - to reintegrate & bring holistic approach. (2) Rehabilitation - schemes like SWADES for citizens returning under Vande Bharat Mission (3) Protecting Migrants - MoU have been signed with Gulf countries to enhance bilateral cooperation & employment opportunities (4) Cultural Engagement - started by govt to increase deeper communication via programmes like Bharti Cotemporize (5) Outreach programme - state outreach programmes include Vigilant Sanspark programme to increase in-depth dialogue. Indian Govt. can leverage the economic, social, cultural engagement with diaspora further