Part IX · External Actors

Chapter 44

The Diaspora and India’s Image Abroad

Arena 8.8 · weight 2 · reading 38.5 · opposed majority

44.1Scope

Hindu and pro-government diaspora organisations abroad, compared with diaspora and advocacy organisations that oppose them: Hindus for Human Rights, IAMC, Equality Labs, the “Dismantling Global Hindutva” network, Khalistani groups such as SFJ, and related lobbying in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

The actor’s reach into India is assessed across eight channels, scored from 0 to 10: Trade (0.0); Energy (0.0); Capital (0.0); Defence and armed groups (Khalistani groups abroad; UK asset freeze over alleged Babbar Khalsa support, Dec 2025) (2.0); Technology (0.0); Diplomatic (USCIRF CPC recommendation 7 years running; Canada rupture 2023-24; caste laws) (5.0); Diaspora (5.2m Indian Americans, 1.9m British Indians: the contested ground) (6.0); Domestic mobilisation (money and narrative for domestic opposing actors) (3.0). Its overall reach is 4.0 of 10.

44.2Significance

India’s image abroad, the votes and money of the diaspora, legislation on caste and on anti-Hindu bias, and the information on which the US Congress, USCIRF and Western governments act.

44.3Indicators and weights

Table 44.1 lists the 5 indicators of the arena, the weight of each within the arena, and each indicator’s reading (the Hindutva-aligned share, from 0 to 100).

Table 44.1. Indicators of arena 8.8

Indicator	Weight	Reading
Organisations abroad: Hindu and pro-India vs opposing (revenue, ₹ cr a year)¹	0.25	23.3
Lobbying and political money (FARA, LDA, PACs, 2020-26)²	0.20	50.9
Resolutions and laws won abroad (caste, Hinduphobia, CAA, Khalistan), 2019-26³	0.20	42.0
Diaspora opinion: approve of Modi, share of all (US, UK)⁴	0.20	39.6
India’s image abroad (Pew: favourable view of India, confidence in Modi)⁵	0.15	41.0
Arena reading	1.00	38.5

44.4Reading

The arena reads 38.5, 11.5 points below parity, and is classified as opposed majority (a reading below 45). With a weight of 2 of a total 107.7, it contributes 0.71 points to the composite reading of 45.7.

The indicators diverge: the highest reading is for lobbying and political money (FARA, LDA, PACs, 2020-26) (50.9), the lowest for organisations abroad: Hindu and pro-India vs opposing (revenue, ₹ cr a year) (23.3).

Figure 44.1. Readings of arena 8.8 by indicator

050100

Organisations abroad: Hindu and pro-India vs opposing (revenue, ₹ cr a year)23.3

Lobbying and political money (FARA, LDA, PACs, 2020-26)50.9

Resolutions and laws won abroad (caste, Hinduphobia, CAA, Khalistan), 2019-2642.0

Diaspora opinion: approve of Modi, share of all (US, UK)39.6

India’s image abroad (Pew: favourable view of India, confidence in Modi)41.0

Arena reading38.5

Hindutva-alignedOpposed

Each bar divides the indicator between Hindutva-aligned (left) and opposed (right) holdings. The vertical rule marks parity.

44.5Measures and exhibits

The exhibits below are the Atlas’s own views of the data behind each measure: shares by side, the largest units, breakdowns by source, recipient and country, money-flow diagrams and time series. Full row-level ledgers are in the data file (Appendix D).

Measure 1. Organisations abroad: Hindu and pro-India vs opposing (revenue, ₹ cr a year)

Reading 23.3%

Hindu and pro-India 152 vs Hostile 500

Figure 44.2. Hindutva-aligned vs opposed, counted rows (₹ crore a year)

Hindutva-aligned 152 ₹ crore a year · 23.3%Opposed 500 ₹ crore a year · 76.7%Transactional 0 ₹ crore a year · 0.0%Neutral / not counted 0 ₹ crore a year · 0.0%

Data table

	₹ crore a year	Share
Hindutva-aligned	152	23.3%
Opposed	500	76.7%
Transactional	0	0.0%
Neutral / not counted	0	0.0%

Figure 44.3. The 15 biggest of 38 (₹ crore a year)

OPEN DOORS WITH BROTHER ANDREW211

Open Doors International Usa Inc61.0

Sewa International Inc60.1

RELEASE INTERNATIONAL43.6

KHALSA AID INTERNATIONAL39.4

International Christian Concern Inc32.0

Sikh Coalition Inc30.8

Indiaspora25.2

Hindu American Foundation Inc24.3

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh U S A Inc16.5

Vishwa Hindu Parishad Of America15.7

Indian American Muslim Council12.1

Justice For All12.0

Indian American Impact10.5

Sikh American Legal Defense And Education Fund Inc9.37

Hindutva-alignedOpposed

Data table

	₹ crore a year	Side
OPEN DOORS WITH BROTHER ANDREW	211	Opposed
Open Doors International Usa Inc	61.0	Opposed
Sewa International Inc	60.1	Hindutva-aligned
RELEASE INTERNATIONAL	43.6	Opposed
KHALSA AID INTERNATIONAL	39.4	Opposed
International Christian Concern Inc	32.0	Opposed
Sikh Coalition Inc	30.8	Opposed
Indiaspora	25.2	Opposed
Hindu American Foundation Inc	24.3	Hindutva-aligned
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh U S A Inc	16.5	Hindutva-aligned
Vishwa Hindu Parishad Of America	15.7	Hindutva-aligned
Indian American Muslim Council	12.1	Opposed
Justice For All	12.0	Opposed
Indian American Impact	10.5	Opposed
Sikh American Legal Defense And Education Fund Inc	9.37	Opposed

Measure 2. Lobbying and political money (FARA, LDA, PACs, 2020-26)

Reading 50.9%

India, BJP, RSS, Hindu-American 18 vs Hostile 18

Figure 44.4. Hindutva-aligned vs opposed, counted rows (US$ million)

Hindutva-aligned 18.4 US$ million · 23.9%Opposed 17.8 US$ million · 23.1%Transactional 32.9 US$ million · 42.6%Neutral / not counted 7.98 US$ million · 10.4%

Data table

	US$ million	Share
Hindutva-aligned	18.4	23.9%
Opposed	17.8	23.1%
Transactional	32.9	42.6%
Neutral / not counted	7.98	10.4%

Figure 44.5. The 15 biggest of 408 (US$ million)

The Impact Fund6.3

The Impact Fund3.38

AAPI Victory Fund2.94

The Impact Fund2

AAPI Victory Fund1.82

Republic of India → SHW Partners1.8

AAPI Victory Fund1.55

Republic of India → SHW Partners1.25

Islamic Republic of Pakistan → Orchid Advisors LLC (FARA #7572)1

INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ALLIANCE(FORMERLY INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION) → MEDSECUREAN.COM0.9

Islamic Republic of Pakistan → Seiden Law LLP (FARA #7570)0.8

Embassy of India → Mercury Public Affairs0.75

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS U.S. CORPORATION0.69

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS U.S. CORPORATION0.65

Hindutva-alignedOpposedTransactionalNeutral / not counted

Data table

	US$ million	Side
The Impact Fund	6.3	Opposed
The Impact Fund	3.38	Opposed
AAPI Victory Fund	2.94	Neutral / not counted
The Impact Fund	2	Opposed
AAPI Victory Fund	1.82	Neutral / not counted
Republic of India → SHW Partners	1.8	Hindutva-aligned
AAPI Victory Fund	1.55	Neutral / not counted
Republic of India → SHW Partners	1.25	Hindutva-aligned
Islamic Republic of Pakistan → Orchid Advisors LLC (FARA #7572)	1	Opposed
INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ALLIANCE(FORMERLY INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION) → MEDSECUREAN.COM	0.9	Transactional
INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ALLIANCE(FORMERLY INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION) → MEDSECUREAN.COM	0.9	Transactional
Islamic Republic of Pakistan → Seiden Law LLP (FARA #7570)	0.8	Opposed
Embassy of India → Mercury Public Affairs	0.75	Hindutva-aligned
COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS U.S. CORPORATION	0.69	Transactional
COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS U.S. CORPORATION	0.65	Transactional

Measure 3. Resolutions and laws won abroad (caste, Hinduphobia, CAA, Khalistan), 2019-26

Reading 42.0%

Won 21 vs Lost 29

Figure 44.6. Hindutva-aligned vs opposed, counted rows (decisions won)

Hindutva-aligned 21 decisions won · 42.0%Opposed 29 decisions won · 58.0%Transactional 0 decisions won · 0.0%Neutral / not counted 0 decisions won · 0.0%

Data table

	decisions won	Share
Hindutva-aligned	21	42.0%
Opposed	29	58.0%
Transactional	0	0.0%
Neutral / not counted	0	0.0%

Figure 44.7. The 15 biggest of 50 (decisions won)

Caste added to non-discrimination and harassment policy1

Resolution 31926 opposing India's CAA and NRC1

Resolution calling on India to repeal CAA and halt NRC1

Resolution opposing CAA/NRC1

2020 Annual Report: recommends India as Country of Particular Concern1

Resolution opposing CAA and NRC1

Resolution denouncing CAA1

Resolution 338-20 (File 200771) opposing India's NRC and CAA1

Resolution opposing CAA, NPR and NRC1

H.Res.745 (Jayapal) on Kashmir communications restrictions and detentions1

2021 Annual Report: recommends India CPC1

Motion (moved by Mark Latham) asking Greens MLC David Shoebridge to withdraw remarks about VHP Australia and apologise1

Caste added to anti-discrimination policy1

Hindu Heritage Month (October 2021) proclamations: CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH,1

Caste added as protected category in ratified HGSU-UAW contract1

Hindutva-alignedOpposed

Data table

	decisions won	Side
Caste added to non-discrimination and harassment policy	1	Opposed
Resolution 31926 opposing India's CAA and NRC	1	Opposed
Resolution calling on India to repeal CAA and halt NRC	1	Opposed
Resolution opposing CAA/NRC	1	Opposed
2020 Annual Report: recommends India as Country of Particular Concern	1	Opposed
Resolution opposing CAA and NRC	1	Opposed
Resolution denouncing CAA	1	Opposed
Resolution 338-20 (File 200771) opposing India's NRC and CAA	1	Opposed
Resolution opposing CAA, NPR and NRC	1	Opposed
H.Res.745 (Jayapal) on Kashmir communications restrictions and detentions	1	Hindutva-aligned
2021 Annual Report: recommends India CPC	1	Opposed
Motion (moved by Mark Latham) asking Greens MLC David Shoebridge to withdraw remarks about VHP Australia and apologise	1	Hindutva-aligned
Caste added to anti-discrimination policy	1	Opposed
Hindu Heritage Month (October 2021) proclamations: CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH,	1	Hindutva-aligned
Caste added as protected category in ratified HGSU-UAW contract	1	Opposed

Measure 4. Diaspora opinion: approve of Modi, share of all (US, UK)

Reading 39.6%

Carnegie IAAS 2024 47% (US), BIAS 2021 19% (UK), weighted by population; no opinion counts against (1a)

Measure 5. India’s image abroad (Pew: favourable view of India, confidence in Modi)

Reading 41.0%

Pew 2026 36-country median favourable 45%; 2023 confidence in Modi 37%; share of all (1a)

Figure 44.8. Over time: Pew: favourable view of India, Pew: unfavourable view of India (score or %)

Pew: favourable view of India (median)Pew: unfavourable view of India (median)

Data table

	Pew: favourable view of India (median)	Pew: unfavourable view of India (median)
2023	46	34
2025	47	38
2026	45	41

Figure 44.9. Over time: Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: overall compre…, Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: diplomatic inf…, Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: cultural influ… and 1 more (score or %)

Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: overall comprehensive power score (0-100)Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: diplomatic influence scoreLowy Institute Asia Power Index: cultural influence scoreBrand Finance Global Soft Power Index: score (0-100) and rank

Data table

	Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: overall comprehensive power score (0-100)	Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: diplomatic influence score	Lowy Institute Asia Power Index: cultural influence score	Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index: score (0-100) and rank
2023	36.3	65.8	38.3
2024	39.1	70.2	38.7	49.8
2025	40	70.8	41.5	49.8
2026				48

Measure 6. Context: shown for reference, not part of the reading

Figure 44.10. Planning threat of each global player (reach × hostility, out of 100)Each player’s weight out of 5 = threat ÷ 20, unless set by hand.

Western media, academia, philanthropy and rights bodies84.6

USA72

China72

Big Tech53.1

Global Islam47.1

India Abroad: Diaspora & Soft Power40

Others16.5

Global Christianity9

Data table

	Value	Side
Western media, academia, philanthropy and rights bodies	84.6	Other
USA	72	Other
China	72	Other
Big Tech	53.1	Other
Global Islam	47.1	Other
India Abroad: Diaspora & Soft Power	40	Opposed
Others	16.5	Other
Global Christianity	9	Other

Figure 44.11. Organisations abroad: Hindu and pro-India vs opposing (revenue, ₹ cr a year)

Reading23.3%152 : 500

Hindu and pro-IndiaHostile

Data table

	Hindu and pro-India	Hostile	Hindu and pro-India share
Reading	152	500	23.3%

Figure 44.12. Lobbying and political money (FARA, LDA, PACs, 2020-26)

Reading50.9%18.4 : 17.8

India, BJP, RSS, Hindu-AmericanHostile

Data table

	India, BJP, RSS, Hindu-American	Hostile	India, BJP, RSS, Hindu-American share
Reading	18.4	17.8	50.9%

Figure 44.13. Resolutions and laws won abroad (caste, Hinduphobia, CAA, Khalistan), 2019-26

Reading42.0%21 : 29

WonLost

Data table

	Won	Lost	Won share
Reading	21	29	42.0%

44.6Evidence base

The arena rests on 735 coded units and 18 time-series points. Of the units and flows, 133 are coded Hindutva-aligned, 149 opposed and 453 neutral, mixed or transactional. By source grade: 679 grade A, 41 grade B.

The full set of rows for this arena, each with its source, is in the Atlas data file (Appendix D).

Notes

18 vs 21 organisations; IRS 990, Charity Commission, CRA, ACNC (organisations.csv). Moved from 2.4 Global allies. ↩
US$ m; India govt $16.1m of $18.4m is borrowed power; Pakistan FARA 2025, SFJ, Impact Fund (lobbying.csv). Moved from 8.6 Narrative. ↩
21 won vs 29 lost; since 2023: 17 vs 14 (resolutions.csv). ↩
Carnegie IAAS 2024 47% (US), BIAS 2021 19% (UK), weighted by population; no opinion counts against (1a). ↩
Pew 2026 36-country median favourable 45%; 2023 confidence in Modi 37%; share of all (1a). ↩