2017 · GS Paper 2 · Q20 · 15 marks
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.
In short
The Indian diaspora has built South-East Asia's economies through labour, capital and professional skills and enriched its plural societies, though its gains are uneven where host policies discriminate. Singapore, where Tamil is an official language, has also been India's largest FDI source in recent years.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 285 words
Labour and skills
Indian workers built Malaya's plantations and now staff Singapore's construction sector, while professionals lead banking, IT and medicine.
Investment bridge
Singapore has been India's largest FDI source in most recent years (DPIIT), helped by diaspora networks and the UPI-PayNow link (2023).
Uneven gains
Burma's nationalisations of 1962-64 drove out about 300,000 Indians, and Malaysia's New Economic Policy (1971) left estate Tamils behind.
Plural identity
Tamil is an official language of Singapore, and Deepavali is a public holiday in Singapore and Malaysia.
Faith and leadership
Thaipusam at Batu Caves draws over a million devotees, and S.R. Nathan and Tharman Shanmugaratnam became Presidents of Singapore.
Social strains
The 2007 HINDRAF rally and the 2013 Little India riot show persisting marginalisation.
Protect workers
Extend e-Migrate, labour MoUs and the Indian Community Welfare Fund to migrant workers in the region.
Culture as diplomacy
Build on the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre announced for Singapore in 2024 and the Know India Programme for younger generations.
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Indian Diaspora4 questions
Asked in 4 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026“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.
- 2023Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.