India's Global Diaspora: A Snapshot of 2025-26
India, the world's most populous nation, also boasts the largest overseas diaspora, with approximately 35.4 million Indians living abroad as of January 2025. This significant population reflects a long history of migration driven by opportunities, safety, and improved living standards. According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, the diaspora comprises two main groups: Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who are Indian citizens residing overseas, and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), descendants of earlier migrants.
Top 10 Countries Hosting the Indian Diaspora
The distribution of Indians abroad is concentrated in key regions, with the United States leading the list. Here is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 countries based on the latest figures:
- United States (North America): Total overseas Indians: 5.69 million. PIOs: 3.78 million (66%), NRIs: 1.92 million (34%).
- United Arab Emirates (Middle East): Total overseas Indians: 3.90 million. PIOs: 6,614 (0.2%), NRIs: 3.89 million (99.8%).
- Canada (North America): Total overseas Indians: 3.61 million. PIOs: 1.86 million (51%), NRIs: 1.75 million (49%).
- Malaysia (Southeast Asia): Total overseas Indians: 2.94 million. PIOs: 2.75 million (94%), NRIs: 185,000 (6%).
- Saudi Arabia (Middle East): Total overseas Indians: 2.75 million. PIOs: 0 (0%), NRIs: 2.75 million (100%).
- Sri Lanka (South Asia): Total overseas Indians: 1.61 million. PIOs: 1.60 million (99.5%), NRIs: 7,500 (0.5%).
- South Africa (Africa): Total overseas Indians: 1.39 million. PIOs: 1.32 million (95%), NRIs: 74,057 (5%).
- United Kingdom (Western Europe): Total overseas Indians: 1.34 million. PIOs: 971,000 (72%), NRIs: 369,000 (28%).
- Kuwait (Middle East): Total overseas Indians: 1.01 million. PIOs: 2,356 (0.2%), NRIs: 1.01 million (99.8%).
- Australia (Oceania): Total overseas Indians: 976,000. PIOs: 626,000 (64%), NRIs: 350,000 (36%).
Key Trends and Regional Insights
The data reveals several notable patterns in the Indian diaspora. The United States not only hosts the largest number but also has a balanced mix of PIOs and NRIs, indicating both historical migration and recent movements. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates stands out for its overwhelming majority of NRIs, driven by employment opportunities in sectors like construction and services.
In the Middle East, countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar attract significant numbers of Indian migrant workers, primarily NRIs, due to economic factors. Meanwhile, Malaysia in the Asia Pacific region has the highest concentration of PIOs, reflecting deep-rooted historical ties from earlier migration waves.
Other regions like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia also host sizeable Indian communities, with diverse compositions of PIOs and NRIs, showcasing India's global footprint across continents.
Implications and Future Outlook
This diaspora plays a crucial role in India's economy through remittances, cultural exchange, and diplomatic relations. The shift in numbers, as noted by recent parliamentary data, highlights evolving migration trends, with NRIs and PIOs adapting to changing global dynamics. As migration continues to reach unprecedented levels, understanding these patterns is essential for policymakers and communities alike.
Overall, the Indian diaspora remains a vibrant and integral part of the global landscape, contributing to the socio-economic fabric of both host countries and India.
