Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a special event with people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago, described the 35 million-strong Indian diaspora as India’s "pride".

He announced that sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.

The Girmitiya Heritage

• Girmitiyas were Indian indentured laborers who migrated in the 19th century to work in British colonies.
• The term “Girmit” originates from a mispronunciation of “Agreement”, referring to the labor contracts they signed.
• Major destinations included Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Most Girmitiyas hailed from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, preserving Bhojpuri language and culture.

In 2025, Trinidad and Tobago is commemorating the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the Girmitiyas.

OCI Card Expansion

• The OCI card provides lifelong visa-free travel, economic privileges, and property rights (excluding agricultural land) to eligible persons of Indian origin up to the 4th generation.
• The latest move to include 6th-generation descendants marks a significant outreach to the Caribbean Indian diaspora.

Digital Diplomacy

Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface)—a step toward strengthening financial connectivity between the two nations.

Indian Diaspora: Global Overview

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (2024):

• Total Indian diaspora: 35.42 million
  • 15.85 million NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)
  • 19.57 million PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin)

Top Countries Hosting Indian Diaspora:

1. USA – 5.4 million
2. UAE – 3.6 million
3. Malaysia – 2.9 million
4. Canada – 2.8 million
5. Saudi Arabia – 2.4 million

According to the UN World Migration Report 2024, India remains the largest source of international migrants (~18 million).

Importance of the Indian Diaspora

• Remittances:
  • India received $129.1 billion in 2024, the highest globally, accounting for 14.3% of global remittances.
  • Supports foreign exchange reserves and rural incomes.
• Investment & Trade:
  • Diaspora contributes to Indian real estate, startups, and infrastructure, and acts as trade and business bridges.
• Technology & Innovation:
  • Indian-origin experts in Silicon Valley and global academia support tech growth, mentorship, and innovation.
• Cultural Diplomacy:
  • Promote Indian languages, festivals, food, cinema, yoga, and soft power abroad.
• Policy Advocacy & Diplomacy:
  • Influence host-country policies in India's favor and assist during diplomatic challenges.

Challenges Faced by the Diaspora

• No Dual Citizenship: Limits political participation and emotional ties.
• Racism & Xenophobia: Rise in racial attacks, especially in Western countries.
• Cultural Discrimination: Based on religion, attire, or food habits.
• Unfair Legal Treatment: Especially for low-wage migrant workers in West Asia.
• Identity Crisis: Among youth abroad balancing Indian and Western values.
• Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Fueled by right-wing populism in some countries.

Government Initiatives to Engage the Diaspora

The outreach to the Indian-origin community in Trinidad and Tobago during the 180th Girmitiya anniversary underscores India’s growing efforts to honor diaspora heritage, expand citizenship benefits, and leverage global Indian influence for stronger economic and diplomatic ties.