Critically examine the role of the Indian diaspora in shaping India’s relations with developed countries. Also evaluate limitations to diaspora diplomacy.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. (GS Paper – II)

Marks and words limit:

• The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
• The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.

Directive words:

• Critically examine → Assess contributions and shortcomings
• Evaluate → Judge limitations with reasoning

Focal points of the questions:

• Role of Indian diaspora in relations with developed countries
• Critical analysis (not celebratory)
• Limitations of diaspora diplomacy
• Answer approach: International Relations + Soft Power

Dos & Don’ts

Do for Maximum Marks

• Maintain critical balance (pros + cons)
• Link diaspora role to foreign policy outcomes
• Use IR keywords: soft power, non-state actors, people-to-people ties
• Keep tone analytical and neutral
• Address developed countries specifically

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

• Do not glorify diaspora uncritically
• Avoid long scheme lists or events
• Do not generalise diaspora as monolithic
• Avoid emotional or political language
• Don’t ignore limitations part (very common mistake)