ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that from independence onwards the issues concerning the Diaspora were excluded by Indian foreign policy and that even when there was a switch from idealism to realism with Indira Gandhi, there was no change with respect to the Diaspora. Economic foreign policy was based on similar ideals of self-sufficiency and the limitation of external involvement and therefore the Diaspora remained excluded. The switch in foreign policy perspectives between Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi was tremendous, Nehru being interested in large international issues, Gandhi in bilateral and regional issues. In general one can say that the case of India is unusual to the extent that an economically powerful Diaspora which was part of the general public consciousness was excluded on purpose from taking part in India's development. Shashi Tharoor goes on to explain that India's policy has not only bred resentment amongst the Diaspora, but that expatriation has in some cases bred extremist political attitudes.
