Theme T122 · International Relations

Indian diaspora: from indentured labour to strategic asset

5PYQs

1GS1

4GS2

2017–20265 distinct years

1asked 2024–26

Roadmap · step 150 of 171 · Stage 4: Integrated themes

← Step 149Step 151 →See the full roadmap

What UPSC asks

Cross-paper GS1–GS2: why indentured labour was taken and whether they preserved identity, and the diaspora's economic and political role in the West and South-East Asia, and as a living bridge.

Prepare these

Indentured system: Mauritius, Fiji, Caribbean, Africa
Cultural preservation (language, festivals)
Remittances, investment, knowledge networks
Political influence in the US, UK, Canada
Diaspora engagement: PBD, OCI

Answer writing

Link history to present soft power

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (1), Critically (1), Describe (1), Comment (1), Why (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Step 77: Migration: internal, international & illegal

Syllabus lines covered

GS1-L2 — Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
GS2-L19 — Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.

All 5 PYQs, newest first

GS2202615 marks · 250 wordsGS2-IR-05-M2026-S01
“India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement
Report a typo
GS2202310 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-05-M2023-Q10
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
Report a typo
GS22020GS2-IR-05-M2020-S01
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
Report a typo
GS12018GS1-HIS-02-M2018-S01
Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
Report a typo
GS22017GS2-IR-05-M2017-S01
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.
Report a typo