Bridge between India and the World
The Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora (CSID), University of Hyderabad, organised the International Conference on Indian Diaspora: Issues of Identity in the Transnational Context on January 23, 2026
The conference was timely given the fact that the Indian diaspora is facing increased challenges, including rising safety concerns, targeting by far-right, anti-immigration sentiment, and economic insecurity, transforming their “model minority” image into one of increased vulnerability. That this is happening now in the United States more is a matter of bigger concern, especially when the Trump Administration is indirectly supporting the creation of an anti-Indian environment in the country.
In countries like the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia, one is seeing violent attacks against students (403 deaths, 2018–2024), involvement in cybercrime job scams, and restricted voting rights, according to credible media reports.
Key Areas of Trouble
• Safety and Security: A surge in violence, particularly in the US and Canada, with 403 reported student deaths between 2018 and 2024.
• Job Scams and Exploitation: Many Indians, particularly in Southeast Asia, are being lured by fake recruitment firms into becoming forced labourers for cybercrime syndicates.
• Targeting and Hostility: In Western nations, Indians are increasingly viewed as job-stealers and culturally incompatible, leading to hostility. This includes targeting of H-1B holders and growing anti-Indian sentiment in places like Texas.
• Economic Vulnerability: Roughly 5.95 lakh migrants returned to India between 2019 and 2024 due to job losses and stricter immigration policies.
• Middle East Challenges: Blue-collar workers face, poor living conditions, non-payment of salaries, and restrictions on mobility.
• Legal/Consular Issues: Limited ability to transfer prisoners, with only 8 transferred in the last 3 years, and complex issues regarding the rights of illegal migrants.
Needless to say, it is the Government of India that has to step in and be proactive in meeting these challenges and making the children of Mother India safe and secure in all parts of the world.
India has the largest overseas diaspora, with approximately 35.4 million Indians living abroad.
According to figures presented in Parliament by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, the global Indian diaspora comprised previously around 15.9 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.5 million Persons of Indian origin (PIOs).
More recent data, shared by Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, indicates a shift in these numbers upwards.
The United States hosts the largest Indian population abroad, with 5.69 million people. This includes 3.78 million PIOs, who are descendants of earlier migrants, and 1.92 million NRIs, who are Indian citizens living abroad, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Following the US, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks second, with an estimated 13.39 million overseas Indians, largely driven by 3.89 million NRIs, making it the country with the highest concentration of Indian citizens outside India.
Other Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, also attract significant numbers of Indian migrant workers.
In the Asia Pacific, Malaysia stands out with 2.75 million PIOs, the highest concentration of descendants of historic Indian migrants, while countries like Australia and Singapore also host sizeable Indian communities.
Overall, the e Indian diaspora is the world’s largest, comprising Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). Spread across 200+ countries, they are a powerful, educated, and influential community, contributing significantly to India’s economy through massive remittances and serving as a key “soft power” asset in global politics.
Economic and Geopolitical Impact
• Remittances: India is consistently among the top recipients of global remittances, providing a crucial inflow of foreign currency.
• “Model Minority”: Often considered high achievers in developed nations (USA, UK, Australia), they influence local economies and politics.
• Soft Power: The diaspora strengthens bilateral ties, promotes Indian culture (yoga, cuisine, festivals), and fosters investment.
• Political Clout: Increasing visibility in foreign politics, with individuals in key administrative roles in countries like the US.
Government Engagement and Policies
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Celebrated biennially on January 9 to mark the contribution of the overseas Indian community.
• OCI Card Scheme: Offers long-term visa-free travel and, to some extent, economic and educational benefits equivalent to NRIs.
• Leveraging Expertise: Initiatives focus on fostering intellectual and business connections to boost India’s development.
The Indian diaspora acts as a vital bridge between India and the world, continuously influencing the nation’s economic development, global image, and foreign policy.
