Harnessing diaspora is considered to be one of the important mega trends of globalization. The emergence of diaspora as a possible resource in different spheres has significantly expanded as a consequence of the enabling conditions provided by globalization resulting into international migration. Diaspora has emerged as an enabler of development. This period is also characterized, among other facets, with the availability of cheaper and faster means of communications, cheaper air travel, better connectivity, free movement of money, capital, and porous borders. All these have contributed to the increasing utilization and harnessing of diaspora as a resource, which was hitherto considered a fissiparous, and a centrifugal force.
Success stories of contribution of diasporas for development of the home country, especially the Chinese experience, fast track engagement of abandoned diaspora by India and the recognition of the UN and international organizations of diasporic forces as a developmental resource led to a series of policy initiatives in both diaspora sending as well as diaspora receiving countries. They have come out with several policy options to make diasporic engagements an economic driver and international migration as a catalyst in growth and development.
India's 25 million strong diaspora is spread over a hundred countries in different continents. It is one of the largest diaspora in the world. It has an old diaspora of those who migrated during the colonial period to different colonies. However, in recent times, there has also been the external migration of highly skilled professionals moving to Europe and US while semiskilled workers tend to move to the Gulf and South East Asia. Diasporic engagement and international migration of Indians have given mixed results with both positive as well as negative consequences. The experiences of different countries are diverse. For some countries it has been a boon leading to massive economic development, strong international presence.