The forcible protection of nationals and non-combatant evacuation operations

Abstract

ABSTRACT India possesses the world’s largest overseas population (31.2 million). This geographically dispersed overseas population contributes more to India financially every year than Foreign Direct Investment and Foreign Aid put together. India has come a long way from the Nehruvian era policy of active disassociation between the Indian State and overseas Indians. The need to protect or rescue Indians residing abroad may arise due to any number of scenarios ranging from natural disasters to civil disorder to terrorist action to full scale combat. This article examines whether it is possible for India to engage in the forcible protection/rescue of its nationals. It also examines the issue of whether India must limit itself to only protecting/rescuing its citizens or whether it can also protect/rescue its nationals.