Development Dimensions of Migration and Diaspora Policy in India

India has been one of the most important source countries for migrant workers across all skill levels globally. Migrant flows from India are broadly of two kinds; first, the emigration of highly skilled professionals, workers and students with tertiary and higher educational qualifications who mainly migrate to English speaking developed countries and second, the flow of unskilled and semi-skilled workers to the Gulf countries and Malaysia. This diverse migrant workforce and resulting Indian diaspora has contributed to India in multiple ways, both tangible and intangible and has led to conscious efforts on the part of the Indian government and industry to facilitate their engagement with India. This article briefly outlines the profile of India’s migrant workforce and diaspora and the contributions they have made through various channels such as remittances, trade, investment flows, philanthropy, and soft power. It outlines the migration and diaspora policies adopted by the Indian government and initiatives taken by Indian industry to enable strategic management of this workforce and diaspora. It concludes by highlightng steps that are needed to better harness this asset