Relevance : GS Paper II
Context
India is relieved that Labour Party did not win the recent general elections in the United Kingdom.
Role played by the Indian diaspora in UK elections
Indian community organisations in Britain made protests to the Labour Party due to its anti-India stand on Kashmir.
Significance of Indian diaspora in UK
At nearly 1.4 million, the Indian diaspora in Britain is emerging as an assertive force.
Hurdles in way of India in UK
- India is an unfortunate competition with Pakistan in diaspora mobilisation in the United Kingdom and beyond.
- Pakistani diaspora is making larger alliances with Muslim organisations and human rights groups.
Way forward
- India must manage the tactical shifts in the British attitude to bilateral issues between Delhi and Islamabad.
- India should avoid preoccupation with Pakistan in dealing with the West.
- Apart from mobilising the diaspora, India should pursue other ways to persuade the British establishment to rethink its stance on India.
Conclusion
India must now focus on the new possibilities with Britain presented by Boris Johnson’s victory. It should take full advantage of the historic shift in Britain’s international orientation that is about to unfold.
