With economic liberalization, several world-class companies have come up in India. However, the author says that Indians
living overseas are an economic asset whose worth has not fully been realized.
There are approximately twenty million Indians living overseas, of which about one million live in the United States. Many of these Indians are professionals, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. This has helped to give a high profile to the Indian community – and also contributed to its growing affluence.
Both the government and industrial bodies have acknowledged this reality. Indian companies and corporations are also beginning to tap into this community of expatriate Indians. Not just for sourcing inputs and selling products - but also for talent, ideas, advice and networking. This, the author says, is the “overseas dividend”, and it is high time to cash in on it.
What is true for Hindi films and foodstuffs may prove to be true for other products as well. More to the point, the Indian overseas community will provide an entry point to bigger overseas markets. By fully embracing the overseas Indian community, Indian companies and corporations will be able to promote the “India” brand, and consolidate their growing position in the global consciousness.