Introduction

The use of policy as one of the instruments to secure emigration advantage is likely to become more pronounced in the 21st century than hitherto. Specialisation and branding will have to become important concerns for India in the 21st century, informed by the examples of competitors like Sri Lanka and the Philippines, who have been able to establish a brand name for caregivers and seamen. By default, India is mostly competing in the lower wage segment with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Coordinated policies may be able to bring about a different outcome. Apart from policy, legislative and governance frameworks for emigration from India have to be harnessed better to bring about more desirable outcomes for all the stakeholders. The Diaspora channel captures how the fact that the emigrants are living overseas affects the source State or country. In the process, more and younger Indians would make the transition from being a pravasis to becoming pravasis.