Transcultural Threads: Mapping the Cultural Geopolitics of Indic Diaspora in Southeast Asia
The contemporary times of a globalized and interpenetrated world has multiplied the relevance of diasporic groups manifold. This has particularly come into realization when political systems and social movements in countries around the world are also affected by specific transnational communities residing there. In the case of India too, this diaspora has not only been a Goodwill Ambassador of India but also acted as a strategic asset in present times. These Indian communities are ‘ideal vehicles’ for soft diplomacy as bridging people-to-people relations has a comparative advantage over statist interactions since the very nature of global politics is changing - from carrots and sticks to hearts and minds - one based on perceptions and stronger engagements. Hence the community has emerged as the smart power tool for India. Underlining the importance of this diaspora, Prime Minister Modi stated - "The Indian diaspora embodies the spirit of India across the globe, fostering a sense of unity and diversity. Their dedication towards preserving our rich heritage and strengthening global ties is commendable.”
There are several facets of India's relationship with Southeast Asia, including culture, diaspora, defense cooperation, economic links, and India's own security and development concerns. Since ancient times, Southeast Asia has been ascribed elevated importance in India's foreign policy; yet colonialism and the Cold War significantly hampered these connections. They were only brought back under the ‘Look East’ (now Act East) policy in the early 1990s, at the behest of political and economic pressure. It has acquired a lot of traction since then and has evolved into a comprehensive plan that takes into account political, strategic, and economic factors. With the capacity to leverage the presence of the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia, India has become more active in ASEAN-led organizations, like the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, in the areas of diplomacy, institutions, politics, and security.
The countries in this region are viewed as strategically important for a variety of reasons, all of which contribute. The centuries-long movement of people from the Indian subcontinent to various regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, is referred to as the ‘Indic diaspora’. This is evident in the fact that Indian genetic heritage is present in various mainland Southeast Asian ethnic groups,
likely due to past migrations and cultural influence. Similarly, Northeast India's Austro-Asiatic Khasi tribes also provide a genetic link between South and Southeast Asia, suggesting it could have been a major corridor for population movement from India to East/Southeast Asia. Indians roughly constitute about 8% to 9% of the total population in Malaysia & Singapore. In Indonesia, traditionally Sikhs, Sindhis & Tamils are engaged in various small businesses like sports goods, textiles & construction.
The cultural impact of the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia has been profound and enduring, shaping various aspects of the region's culture, religion, language, architecture, and cuisine. The cultural exchange with Southeast Asia has been as old as the historical trajectories that have shaped the culture of this region. These communities in Southeast Asia have integrated themselves into diverse societies, contributing to ethnic diversity. The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism is the result of such amalgamation and assimilation of the Indic culture of traders, merchants and scholars from the Indian subcontinent. Establishment of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms such as the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia and the Khmer Empire in Cambodia has further led to Indianization. The illustrations of which can be the various versions of Ramayana that exist in these countries with approximately similar storylines but different character names. And this is what makes the unique acceptance of cultural diversity with underlying unity that binds them into a thread of solidarity, cohesion and oneness. The process of adapting epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharat into localized versions was aided by the artists who popularized them. Texts like RamKer (the Ramayana in Khmer) in Cambodia and Seri Rama (the Ramayana adapted to Malay) are considered among Southeast Asia's best literary masterpieces.
The presence of Buddha statues and the architectural style of temples such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia with motifs like lotus flowers, celestial beings, and intricate carvings reflects Indian artistic traditions. Festivals like Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Vesak (Buddha's birthday) are widely observed in the region, often accompanied by traditional ceremonies and performances. Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi have influenced the development of dance traditions in Southeast Asia. Dishes like curry, roti, and biryani have become popular in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The Indian diaspora has also had a notable impact on the politics of Southeast Asian countries. Many Indian-origin individuals have held high-ranking positions in government and have influenced policy decisions. Some prominent persons of Indian origin include Singapore’s former President S. R. Nathan; & Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Jayakumar, etc. State ideology has been based on meritocracy which rejects ethnic privileges. This is one of the most important reasons indicating the success of the Indian community.
India's increased involvement with the ASEAN area is beneficial due to its rising economic, industrial, commercial, trade, investment, and tourist potential.
The Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has invested heavily in Southeast Asia and has a presence in industries such as automotive, steel, and hospitality.
In Brunei, apart from running businesses, mini-marts and small restaurants, Indians have filled up the human resources vacuum – thus making an important contribution to its economy.
In the Philippines and Indonesia, members of the Indian Community have played a prominent role in the export of textile products – which has powered their economy in the recent past.
Part of Singapore’s IT industry today is being fuelled by Indian expertise. There is also a significant Indian contribution to scientific research including in biotechnology and medicine.
Recent trends indicate that present Indian migration includes professionals holding senior positions in local and multinational companies in the fields of IT, education, technology etc.
However, there is also another side to this story, not very welcoming and that stands for what it is rather than what ought to be. The Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia has historically faced discrimination and racism, often stemming from cultural differences, unequal economic competition and historical tensions. This can manifest in limited access to opportunities, social exclusion, and even violence in extreme cases. The scholar Jayita Mukhopadhyay mentions - Are we equally responsive to the plight of the less fortunate members of the Indian diaspora who often face various kinds of persecution in their adopted homeland, who are subjected to unfair competition in their endeavor to set up a business or secure a job, who are frequently politically disenfranchised, racially discriminated against or culturally marginalized?
Economic disparities exist within the Indian diaspora, for example - denial of citizenship and even identity cards to Indians who also constitute one of the poorest sections of Malaysia. Moreover, the New Economic Policy of 1970 adversely affected the Indian community in Malaysia. Only a small group of Indian businesses with political patronage has prospered by venturing into services, construction and related activities.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from both the Indian diaspora communities and host countries, including initiatives to promote cultural understanding, improve access to education and healthcare, combat discrimination, and facilitate economic integration. Additionally, governments can play a crucial role in creating policies that support the rights and well-being of all residents, regardless of their nationality or ethnic background.
The Indian government is also fostering an atmosphere that is favorable for the diasporic population and fortifying its links with India through a number of initiatives, including Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan, Trade Facilitation Centres, etc.
Another significant program being leveraged by the Government of India is The Relics Outreach Programme championing the Buddhist common faith. This not only connects the Indian Buddhist diaspora but also attracts the native Southeast Asian Buddhist followers forging stronger ties and commitments.
A diaspora with the potential to be significant in the future is the influx of Indian professionals to the region and the overall goodwill towards the Indian community as the positives of this engagement considerably exceed the disadvantages. These elements may also affect India's strategic assessments of the diaspora's capacity to encourage more responsible and contributive involvement with the area, directly or indirectly. The number and quality of these contacts—which are bolstered by the use of "smart power"—will surely have an impact on future developments in India's foreign and security policy regarding Southeast Asia.
Dr S. Jaishankar acclaimed the importance of this region reiterating in his book ‘India Way’ - “ASEAN could also be credited with contributing significantly to India’s understanding of the role that people of Indian origin abroad can play in its relationship with the world… Not least is the catalytic role that South Asia has played in the revival of India’s historical linkages and interests. The Nalanda concept, as we know it today, literally started in Singapore. Since then, it has emerged as an encouragement to a broader Indian embrace of its Buddhist history and heritage and a more central place for that in its people-to-people contacts.”
Overall, the Indic diaspora has left a profound imprint on the cultural landscape of Southeast Asia, enriching the region's diversity and fostering cross-cultural exchanges that continue to thrive to this day. Overcoming the challenges faced by this community is important to materialize the Indian strategic, cultural and economic interests in Southeast Asia.
The article was previously published in Pravasi Pulse Magazine (Volume 1, Issue 3) at Indian Diasporic Network.
References:
Vinay Lai, 'Multiculturalism at Risk: The Indian Minority in Malaysia', Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. XLI, No. 35, September 2 Changmai, P., Jaisamut, K., Kampuansai, J., Kutanan, W., Altınışık, N., Flegontova, O., Inta, A., Yüncü, E., Boonthai, W., Pamjav, H., Reich, D., & Flegontov, P. (2021). Indian genetic heritage in Southeast Asian populations. PLoS Genetics, 18. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.21.427591. Reddy, B., Langstieh, B., Kumar, V., Nagaraja, T., Reddy, A., Meka, A., Reddy, A., Thangaraj, K., & Singh, L. (2007). Austro-Asiatic Tribes of Northeast India Provide Hitherto Missing Genetic Link between South and Southeast Asia. PLoS ONE, 2. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0001141. Sandhu, K., & Mani, A. (1993). Indian Communities in Southeast Asia. . https://doi.org/10.2307/2761397.
Nathan, K. (2015). The Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia as a strategic asset of India's foreign and security policy: a Malaysian perspective. Diaspora Studies, 8, 120 - 131. https://doi.org/10.1080/09739572.2015.1029712. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003177173-15/india-e ngagement-diaspora-southeast-asia-surendra-kumar
Mukhopadhyay, J. (2010). Indian diaspora in south-east Asia: Predicaments and Prospects. The Indian Journal of Political Science, 995-1002. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Indian-Populations-in-Southeast-Asia_tbl1_ 321674262. (Data source)
About the Author
Aksha Jain is a politico enthusiast and learner pursuing Political Science Honours from Delhi University. She has a keen interest in elocutions, debating and public speaking. She is experienced in research and content writing with demonstrated success in the social impact sector, research skills, data analysis and literature surveys. She writes articles, research papers, creative pieces, etc. on international relations, philosophy and women rights.
With her contribution to various organizations like the ASEAN Youth Organization, WICCI, Girl Up Club, International Parliament Journal and Youth Recommendations Committee (India) to UNCSW 68; she has worked in diverse work profiles and on varied socio-political issues. With the motto of “Serving mankind, Celebrating community”; she aims to bring about a positive change-driven impact.
