Description
This paper investigates the profound impact of the Indian diaspora on the cultural and political landscapes of the United Kingdom, highlighting their role in enhancing contemporary UK-India relations. Through an exploration of cultural contributions, it illustrates how the Indian community has enriched British society with diverse artistic expressions, culinary traditions, and vibrant festivals, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Additionally, the paper delves into the political influence of the Indian diaspora, focusing on their increasing participation in British politics, advocacy for policies beneficial to both nations, and efforts in shaping a positive narrative around UK-India relations. This article asserts that theoretical perspectives such as realism, liberal institutionalism, constructivism, and post-colonialism are employed to analyze the influence of diasporas on international relations to define the cultural and political influence of the Indian diaspora and its impact on the foreign policy of the UK. Realism and liberal institutionalism provide insights into the strategic and cooperative dimensions of diaspora politics, while constructivism and post-colonialism explore the identity and historical contexts shaping diaspora interactions. By integrating these theoretical perspectives, the paper underscores the transformative role of the Indian diaspora in bridging the two nations, emphasizing their contributions as essential to the dynamic and evolving relationship between the UK and India.
Key words: Indian diaspora, cultural influence, political engagement, UK-India relations, theoretical perspectives.
