ABSTRACT
The valorizing of diasporas by nation-states such as India has been one of the most visible trends in global politics over the past three decades. This is, furthermore, a trend that has been actively encouraged by international financial institutions as a way to help facilitate the goals of “development.” What exactly is the nature of such goals, and why is it that diasporas are hyped as the critical element that will help nation-state achieve those goals? This chapter argues that while the growing migration trends and the economic rationale of remittances are undoubtedly important, the real rationale for transformation of state-diaspora relations lies in understanding the ways in which ruling elites across board have tried to justify and further an agenda of neoliberal economic restructuring.
