The article first appeared in Scroll.in on Feb 16, 2025
At the time of India’s independence in 1947, the Indian diaspora faced numerous challenges across the world. Decades of British colonial rule had resulted in a widespread migration of Indians, leading to a significant presence in various parts of the British Empire. While some migrated as indentured laborers to places like Fiji, Mauritius, and Trinidad, others moved to countries such as Canada and Australia in search of better economic opportunities. However, the reception they received in their host countries was often shaped by discriminatory policies and systemic racism.
One of the major concerns for India’s leaders in 1947 was the status and rights of the Indian diaspora in Commonwealth nations. In November of that year, the Constituent Assembly debated the hardships faced by Indian-origin communities and explored ways to protect their rights. Many of these people, despite their contributions to the economies of their host nations, faced discrimination and were often denied political and social rights. In Canada, for example, the situation was particularly difficult in British Columbia, where Indian-origin residents had to fight for their right to vote in municipal elections. Similarly, Australia imposed restrictions that made it difficult for Indians to settle permanently or gain equal rights.
The situation of the Indian diaspora in different parts of the world varied, but a common pattern of exclusion and prejudice persisted. In South Africa, the Indian community had long been subjected to racial discrimination, and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi had fought against such injustices decades earlier. The struggle continued post-independence, as India sought to engage diplomatically with countries that hosted its overseas population. However, many nations were reluctant to grant equal rights to Indian-origin people, viewing them as outsiders despite their long-standing presence.
The Constituent Assembly discussions reflected India’s commitment to advocating for its diaspora on the international stage. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru believed that India had a moral responsibility to support its overseas population while maintaining good relations with Commonwealth nations. The years following independence saw India negotiating with various countries to improve the conditions of its diaspora. Although progress was slow, these efforts laid the foundation for India’s later policies on engaging with its global community.
Thus, at the time of independence, the Indian diaspora faced significant struggles, but India’s leaders recognized their importance and sought to protect their rights in an era of decolonization and changing global politics…
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