2020 · GS Paper 2 · Q10 · 10 marks
Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples.
In short
The Indian diaspora is decisive in US technology and in British health care and politics, but elsewhere in the West it is influential rather than decisive. Indian-origin leaders such as Kamala Harris, Rishi Sunak and Antonio Costa show its rising political reach.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 278 words
Technology engine
Indians receive the largest share of US H-1B visas, and Indian-origin leaders run Microsoft, Alphabet, IBM and Adobe.
Enterprise
Lakshmi Mittal's ArcelorMittal and the Hinduja Group are major European businesses, and the TiE network seeds start-ups on both sides of the Atlantic.
Health and income
India is the largest source of international doctors in Britain's NHS, and Indian Americans have the highest median household income of any major US ethnic group (US Census Bureau).
Top offices
Kamala Harris (US Vice-President, 2021-25), Rishi Sunak (UK Prime Minister, 2022-24), Leo Varadkar in Ireland and Antonio Costa in Portugal, now President of the European Council, all reached top offices.
Lobbying
Indian-American advocacy helped carry the 2008 civil nuclear deal through Congress, and the "Samosa Caucus" shapes US policy.
Limits
These leaders answer to their own voters rather than to India, the community splits between parties, and it is thinly represented in continental European politics.
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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 2020 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.