Indian diaspora ranks world’s biggest at 35.4 million

NEW DELHI: The world’s largest diaspora is now made up of Indians at 35.4 million globally, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, has said.

This figure constitutes 15.9 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.5 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), the Minister said in a written answer placed on the table of Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament.

Margherita was asked by Members of Parliament to furnish details of the “role played by the Indian diaspora in fostering economic and cultural connections between India and the regions across the world.”

He said in reply that in recent years, the Indian government had brought about a “transformational change” in its engagement with the Indian diaspora.

Remittances

“The 35.4 million-strong Overseas Indian community is an invaluable partner in the progress of India. The Indian diaspora bolsters economic and cultural connections, among others, by significantly contributing through remittances, trade, investments, cultural exchanges, transfer of expertise and knowledge thereby acting as a bridge to further India’s growth,” the Minister said.

“A successful, prosperous, and influential diaspora is an asset. India stands to gain a lot from tapping its diaspora networks and productive utilization of the soft power that comes from having such a flourishing diaspora,” Margherita’s reply concluded.

The Indian diaspora, spanning continents and industries, continues to shape global economies and societies. With deep-rooted histories and growing influence, these communities remain a testament to India’s global reach and cultural resilience.

Countries with the largest Indian diaspora

From bustling metropolises like New York and London to cultural hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Durban, Indians have made a significant impact on economies, politics, and societies worldwide. Whether as tech pioneers in Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs in Dubai, or long-established communities in Africa and the Caribbean, the global Indian diaspora continues to thrive. Here’s a look at the countries with the highest populations of people of Indian origin.

1: United States – 5.4 million: The US is home to the largest Indian diaspora, with approximately 5.4 million people of Indian origin. This includes both Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), many of whom are prominent in technology, business, politics, and education. The country remains a top destination for Indian students seeking higher education.

2. United Arab Emirates – 3.55 million: With large communities in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the UAE hosts around 3.55 million Indians, making it the second-largest hub for the Indian diaspora. Many work in business, healthcare, construction, and the service sector.

3. Malaysia – 2.9 million: Malaysia has a strong Indian presence, primarily of Tamil descent, dating back to colonial-era migration. Today, around 2.9 million people of Indian origin contribute significantly to trade, commerce, and education.

4. Canada – 2.8 million: Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for Indians, with around 2.8 million people of Indian descent. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are known for their multicultural communities, where the Indian diaspora thrives in various fields, including technology, healthcare, and business.

5. Saudi Arabia – 2.5 million: Saudi Arabia is home to around 2.5 million Indians, many of whom work in construction, healthcare, and IT. The country has long been a key destination for Indian expatriates.

6. Myanmar – 2 million: With an Indian diaspora of about 2 million, Myanmar’s Indian community traces its roots back to the colonial era. Many are engaged in trade and agriculture, with Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi communities forming an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric.

7. United Kingdom – 1.8 million: The UK has a well-established Indian diaspora of approximately 1.8 million people, actively contributing to sectors such as business, politics, healthcare, and education. British Indians have played a key role in shaping the country’s multicultural identity.

8. South Africa – 1.7 million: With around 1.7 million Indians, South Africa’s Indian community dates back to the 19th century, when indentured laborers were brought over during the colonial era. Today, they play a crucial role in the country’s political, cultural, and economic landscape.

9. Sri Lanka – 1.6 million: Sri Lanka is home to about 1.6 million people of Indian origin, primarily Tamils, who migrated as laborers during the British colonial period. With shared cultural traditions, the country often feels like a second home to many Indians.

10. Kuwait – 1 million: Rounding out the top ten, Kuwait has nearly 1 million Indians, most of whom work in skilled and semi-skilled sectors such as construction and services. The Indian community forms a vital part of the country’s workforce.