Indian politicians are gearing up for the next general election, and they are starting by reaching out to Indian diaspora communities around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi are both making efforts to connect with nonresident Indians, or NRIs, who will not be able to vote in the coming election.
Gandhi, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress party, has recently embarked on a six-day tour of the United States to connect with NRIs. His trip includes stops in San Francisco, Washington, and New York. Meanwhile, Modi has also been making appearances abroad, attending events in countries such as the United Kingdom and China.
Despite their inability to vote, NRIs represent an important community in Indian politics. India has the largest diaspora in the world, with an estimated 17.5 million people living abroad. Many of these NRIs retain strong ties to their home country and are actively involved in Indian politics, supporting various candidates and parties.
Both Modi and Gandhi are hoping to win the support of these NRIs in the upcoming election. They are focusing on issues such as immigration, trade, and economic development, which are important to many members of the diaspora. They are also highlighting the contributions of NRIs to Indian society and culture, recognizing their role as ambassadors for the country abroad.
Despite their efforts, however, it is unclear how successful these campaigns will be in winning the support of NRIs. Many members of the diaspora are critical of Indian politics and have become disillusioned with the current state of affairs in the country. Nevertheless, both Modi and Gandhi are hoping that their outreach efforts will pay off in the coming months as they compete for seats in the Indian parliament.