What is diaspora diplomacy?

It means engaging with the country's diaspora living and working abroad to further the national interests.

Evolution:

In Nehruvian era there was reluctance to engage with Indian diaspora because in there was widespread resentment in some parts of Afro-Asia against the privileged economic positions that Indians held in the colonial era.Moreover,the inward looking economy meant there was no need to lure the NRIs for foreign investments in Indian economy.

The economic reforms pursued by Narsimha Rao government and emphasis on economic diplomacy opened the space for enganement with Indian diaspora.The Atal Bihari Vajpayee govrenment further institutionalised it through Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas.Under UPA rule ,it was further carried forward with the crucial role played  by Indian Americans in the Indo US Civil Nuclear Agreement,2008.

In C.Rajamohan's words the present Modi government has buried all the defensiveness about engaging with the diaspora.The recently concluded Houston event is one of the examples in this regard.

Opportunities?

1.Economy-They send huge remittances to Indian economy.Their crucial role in bringing foreign investements is a further plus in this regard.

2.Political-This dimension can be understood in the way Indian Americans have shaped India US relations.For example,after India went nuclear and relations between India and USA reaching the nadir,it was the intense lobbying by the Indian Americans which led to President Clinton visiting India in 2000.

Issues?

1.C.Rajamohan observes that there is danger of getting drawn too deep into domestic politics of USA.Many scholars criticised the Houston event as an opportunity for President Trump to improve his electoral prospects in next elections.

2.There would also be a challenge of tacking Pakistan's diaspora diplomacy in countries like Britain,USA etc.

Way forward?

We need to learn from Chinese mistakes in engaging with its diaspora.It has been alleged to be intervening in domestic politics of other countries.That is something India must avoid.