Published by Palgrave MacmillanFocusing on India and China, two countries with high levels of emigration that have developed policies aimed at promoting ties with their nationals who live abroad, this article contributes to the academic and political debate about the relationships between the phenomenon of migration and the development of migrants’ countries of origin. In light of the measures that both these countries have amassed for the benefit of their overseas communities, one can identify the need to create one or more institutional structures to promote individual initiatives. The importance of reciprocity is emphasised, which is an essential aspect of relations between the government of the country of origin and its migrants.