India's strategy for building its global reputation may need a fundamental rethink, moving away from over-reliance on its Non-Resident Indian (NRI) diaspora. This is the central argument presented by Avinash Pandey, a civil servant in the Indian Revenue Service, based on his experiences at premier international forums throughout 2025.
The Limits of Diaspora Advocacy
Pandey participated in high-profile global gatherings like the Raisina Dialogue, Asian Forum on Global Governance, NEXT Milan Forum, and the Indo-German Young Leaders Forum. His key takeaway was the limited and often stereotyped understanding of India among foreign diplomats, business leaders, and experts before their engagement. However, he observed a remarkable transformation in perspective among those who attended programs within India.
This experience led him to a crucial conclusion: expecting the Indian diaspora to be India's primary defenders abroad is unrealistic and strategically misguided. The recent debate on Indian-Americans' silence amid shifting US policy stances highlights this tension. Diaspora communities are in a precarious position, constantly negotiating their identity between assimilation and heritage.
"Asking them to vocally defend India on contentious geopolitical issues, especially when their own acceptance in host countries remains fragile, is asking them to risk their hard-won social and professional capital," Pandey notes. Their silence is often a matter of strategic survival, not indifference.
A Blueprint for Authentic Engagement
Instead of burdening the diaspora, Pandey proposes a more sustainable approach centered on creating authentic, positive first-hand experiences for foreign nationals. When locals from other countries develop a genuine understanding of India, they become advocates out of informed conviction, not ethnic loyalty.
This requires a multi-pronged strategy. While NRIs and Indian visitors can act as cultural ambassadors, they must be equipped to present a cohesive national narrative that transcends internal divisions of caste, region, religion, and politics. The goal is for every Indian abroad to present a unified vision aligned with India's global ambitions.
Institutionalising Soft Power Exchange
The power of structured engagement is clear. Pandey advocates for establishing more exchange programmes for civil society leaders, think tank scholars, journalists, and mid-career professionals from key countries. These should offer deep, authentic immersion into India's complexity, innovation, and aspirations.
Imagine a German civil society leader spending weeks with Indian NGOs, or an American journalist embedding with Indian startups. They return not as tourists but as informed stakeholders with personal stories that challenge stereotypes.
Curating the Narrative for Tourists and Travelers
With millions of international tourists visiting annually, India must be more intentional about their experience. Tourism infrastructure should include cultural orientation that showcases contemporary India's technological prowess, democratic vibrancy, and global contributions alongside historical monuments.
Pandey offers a simple yet impactful idea: create compelling short audio-visual content for international flights. Before landing, provide NRIs and Indian visitors with a concise primer on contributing to India's soft power through confident, informed representation. Share conversation starters about India's achievements in space technology, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and democratic governance.
The Path Forward for India's Global Story
India's global image cannot rest on the shoulders of a diaspora caught between two worlds. The strategic imperative is to invest in making India understood, respected, and valued by people worldwide, regardless of their background. This means more exchange programs, better-curated tourist experiences, strategic cultural diplomacy, and empowering travelers with knowledge.
When foreign nationals themselves become advocates based on direct knowledge and experience, India builds something far more valuable than diaspora loyalty: genuine and sustainable global goodwill. This shift from reliance to broad-based engagement marks the path forward for India's narrative on the world stage, as articulated by Avinash Pandey in his personal capacity on December 25, 2025.
