Indian Diaspora (International Relations).
Syllabus: UPSC Mains GS2: India & neighbourhood, groupings, international institutions, diaspora
Indian diaspora for UPSC: NRIs, PIOs and OCI, largest diaspora in the world, record remittances, Gulf workers, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, evacuations, challenges.
Between July and October 2026 MEA issued a series of statements on attacks on merchant ships carrying Indian crew in the Strait of Hormuz, off Oman, in the Red Sea and in the Black Sea. Several Indian seafarers were killed or injured. On 7 October India again asked for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers.
UPSC angle: Prelims: straits and ports in news. · Mains GS-II: diaspora; GS-III: maritime security.
7 Oct 2026
During the Swiss President's State Visit to India from 5 to 7 October 2026, the two countries signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership offering multiple-entry visas of up to five years and renewable one-year student permits. A Young Professionals agreement allows 300 exchanges a year each way, which may rise to 500. A transport technology MoU was also signed.
UPSC angle: Prelims: EFTA members. · Mains GS-II: India-Europe relations, diaspora.
5 Oct 2026
The External Affairs Ministry answered four questions in Parliament on 30 and 31 July 2026. Operation Amistad sent relief and an Army field hospital to Venezuela after two earthquakes in June. The Tehran embassy helped 2,557 Indians leave Iran by land. India has met its USD 120 million Chabahar commitment, but the US sanctions waiver ended in April.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Operation Amistad (Venezuela, 2026); BHISHM Cube. · Mains: HADR as diplomacy.
31 Jul 2026
In Rajya Sabha replies on 23 July 2026, MEA said the proposed Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill aims at safe, legal, orderly and regular mobility for work abroad, with an Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council to run a welfare fund. Missions already use the Indian Community Welfare Fund, set up in 2009, for stranded Indians and sailors.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Indian Community Welfare Fund. · Mains: law on overseas employment.
24 Jul 2026
With Gulf security risks rising, the Ports Ministry through the Directorate General of Shipping is keeping watch on the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and nearby waters, a 11 June 2026 note said. MEA, the Navy, Missions abroad, foreign maritime administrations and shipping companies are in the coordination loop to support Indian seafarers and protect maritime interests.
UPSC angle: Mains: evacuation and seafarer protection.
11 Jun 2026
India condemned an attack on Kuwait International Airport on 3 June 2026 in which an Indian national died and several Indians were injured. The Ministry of External Affairs repeated its call that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, and said the Embassy is helping the injured while Missions across the region stay on alert.
UPSC angle: Prelims: none. · Mains: safety of Indians in the Gulf.
3 Jun 2026