Diaspora: Concept and Significance

The term diaspora refers to communities, typically ethnic or religious in nature, that share a common origin but have become dispersed across different geographical areas. The word itself is derived from the ancient Greek dia speiro, meaning “to scatter.” 

Historically, the concept was mainly associated with the dispersion of the Jewish people following the destruction of Jerusalem in the 6th century BCE. It was also linked to Greek communities spread throughout the Hellenic world. In the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s onward, scholars began applying the term more broadly, notably to describe the African diaspora, and its usage has since expanded.

Development of the Diaspora Concept

It wasn’t until the late 1960s that diaspora became a common concept in social sciences. Initially, it was closely tied to Jewish history, especially the forced migration to Babylonia and the later Roman destruction of Jerusalem. This gave the term connotations of displacement and loss of homeland. Despite these associations, the Greek expansion across the Mediterranean during the 6th to 4th centuries BCE also exemplified diaspora in a more voluntary and strategic sense.

While the Jewish and Greek experiences have shaped much of the Western understanding of diaspora, other cases from Asia have added complexity to the concept. In China, for example, the migration of its people has often been seen in a neutral or positive light. A traditional Chinese verse even notes the widespread presence of Chinese people across the seas. Similarly, the cultural influence of South Asians has extended beyond the Indian subcontinent, particularly throughout the Indian Ocean region. Since the 19th century, global movements of labourers seeking work in agriculture or industry have further broadened the notion of diaspora.

Types and Classifications of Diaspora

Scholars have identified various kinds of diasporas based on the circumstances of migration. These include victim diasporas (resulting from forced displacement), colonial or imperial diasporas (linked to expansionism), trade diasporas (formed through commercial migration), and labour diasporas (emerging from job-seeking migrations). Other classifications emphasise historical and political contexts, distinguishing between traditional diasporas like the Jewish or Greek ones and those without a recognised state, such as the Palestinian or Roma populations. Large-scale migrations since the 19th century have given rise to multiple diasporic groups, many of which became more visible toward the end of the 20th century, forming enduring communities worldwide.

Major Diasporas in the World

The Indian diaspora is currently the largest in the world, with about 17.5 million people living abroad, followed by the Mexican and Chinese diasporas. Diasporas can be formed by various causes such as colonialism, labour migration, or forced displacement, and they often maintain a collective identity despite geographic dispersion.

In social science, diaspora populations are recognised for their shared identity, historical experience, and ongoing connections to their place of origin, even if they are dispersed globally. The concept also includes secondary diasporas, where new diasporic communities emerge from existing ones. 

Here are some prominent examples of diasporas around the world:

Indian diaspora: The largest in the world, with over 15.5 million Indians living abroad as of 2024. Indian communities are present on every continent, reflecting a diverse mix of regions, languages, and cultures.

Mexican diaspora: The second largest globally, with about 12 million Mexicans living outside Mexico, primarily in the United States.

Chinese diaspora: Approximately 10.5 million Chinese live overseas, with significant communities in Southeast Asia, North America, and Australia.

Filipino diaspora: Over 8 million Filipinos work and live abroad, especially in the Middle East, North America, and Europe.

Indian Diaspora

The Government of India does not follow a specific definition, although it attempted to define the term in 2004 as “a generic term to describe the people who migrated from territories that are currently within the borders of the Republic of India. It also refers to their descendants.”[ix] Today, ‘diaspora’ is commonly understood to include Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), of which PIO and OCI cardholders were merged under one category — OCI — in 2015. Broadly speaking, for the Indian government, the diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently.

Indian Diaspora Over Time

Over the past two decades, India's diaspora has experienced remarkable growth in both size and global influence. In 2000, there were about 7.9 million Indians living abroad. By 2020, this number had more than doubled to approximately 17.9 million, making India the country with the largest diaspora population in the world. As of 2024, estimates suggest the Indian diaspora stands at around 18 million people, with major communities in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.

Key trends in the growth of India's diaspora

Geographic Expansion: Traditional destinations like the Gulf countries, the US, and the UK have been joined by newer hubs such as Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, reflecting both skilled and unskilled migration patterns.

Economic Impact: Remittances from the diaspora have surged, reaching a record $129.1 billion in 2024, accounting for 14.3% of global remittances and 3.3% of India’s GDP. The diaspora is also investing in real estate, stock markets, and startups, both abroad and in India.

Changing Profile: The diaspora now includes a significant number of highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics, especially in sectors like IT, healthcare, and finance. Indian-origin leaders now head major global companies and play influential roles in politics and policymaking in their host countries.

Government Engagement: India has actively engaged its diaspora through outreach programs, eased investment norms, and initiatives like the Know India Program, aiming to harness their knowledge, investments, and philanthropic contributions for national development.

Cultural and Soft Power: The diaspora has enhanced India’s global presence, promoting its culture, festivals, cuisine, and traditions, and strengthening bilateral relations with key countries.

Indian Diaspora: Overview and Growth

The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with a presence in over 110 countries and a population that has grown significantly in recent decades. As of January 2024, the Indian diaspora numbered approximately 35.42 million people, comprising 15.85 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 19.57 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs and Overseas Citizens of India, OCIs). Every year, about 2.5 million Indians emigrate overseas, reflecting both the scale and dynamism of this global community.

Major Destinations

Indians have established significant communities across the globe. The top countries with the largest Indian populations in 2025 include:

Country Indian Population (2025)

United States 5,409,062

United Arab Emirates 3,568,848

Malaysia         2,914,127

Canada         2,875,954

Saudi Arabia 2,463,509

United Kingdom 1,764,000

South Africa 1,560,000

Mauritius 894,500

Myanmar 2,009,207

Singapore 650,000

Indians also form a significant percentage of the population in several Gulf countries, such as Qatar (30.5%), UAE (27%), Bahrain (19%), Oman (18%), and Kuwait (17.5%).

Historical Context and Migration Patterns

The Indian diaspora’s origins can be traced to several waves of migration:

Colonial-era indentured labour: In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Indians were sent as indentured labourers to British, French, and Dutch colonies in the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Examples include Indian communities in Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa.

Post-independence migration: After 1947, skilled professionals and students began migrating to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East, often seeking better economic and educational opportunities.

Contemporary migration: Recent decades have seen a surge in both skilled and unskilled migration, especially to the Gulf states, North America, and Europe.

Notable Individuals from the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora has produced prominent figures across various fields:

Navanethem Pillay: South African of Indian origin, former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Sir Ben Kingsley: British actor of Indian descent, Oscar winner.

Sri Prakash Lohia: Indonesian-Indian industrialist, founder of Indorama Corporation.

Freddie Mercury: British singer and songwriter, lead vocalist of Queen, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar to Parsi Indian parents.

Madhur Jaffrey: Indian-born British actress, food and travel writer, and television personality.

Government Initiatives

India actively engages with its diaspora through policies and programs such as:

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): Provides certain privileges to people of Indian origin living abroad.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: An annual event celebrating the contributions of the Indian diaspora.

Remittance facilitation and investment opportunities: Easing investment norms and encouraging diaspora contributions to national development.

Remittances from the Indian diaspora and their Impacts

Remittances from the Indian diaspora play a transformative role in India’s development, influencing economic stability, social welfare, and regional growth. Below is a detailed analysis of their multifaceted impact:

1. Economic Stability and Macroeconomic Contributions

Foreign Exchange Reserves: Remittances are India’s largest source of foreign exchange, surpassing FDI and official aid. In 2024, they reached $129 billion, accounting for 14.3% of global remittances and 3.3–3.4% of India’s GDP. This inflow stabilises the rupee, funds current account deficits, and reduces reliance on external borrowing.

Investment in Financial Markets: A growing share of remittances is channelled into equities, mutual funds, and NRI deposit schemes. For example, NRI deposits doubled to $10 billion between April and September 2024, reflecting confidence in India’s growth trajectory.

2. Household Welfare and Poverty Reduction

Direct Support to Families: Remittances fund essentials like healthcare, education, and housing for millions of households. In Kerala, remittances constitute 20% of the state’s GDP, lifting families out of poverty and improving living standards.

Entrepreneurship and Asset Creation: Funds are used to start small businesses, purchase land, or invest in agriculture. For instance, Punjab and Gujarat have seen remittance-driven growth in agro-industries and real estate.

3. Regional Development and Challenges

Kerala’s Dual Reality: While remittances (30% of GDP in 2023) boosted consumption, they also led to record youth unemployment (third-highest nationally) due to a lack of local industries and over-reliance on Gulf migrants.

Urban-Rural Divide: Remittances often flow to rural areas, reducing urban migration pressure. However, this can also inflate land prices and create economic disparities.

4. Sectoral and Social Impact

Healthcare and Education: Remittances fund private schooling and medical treatments, reducing pressure on public systems. Families in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh prioritise education, leading to higher literacy rates.

Philanthropy and Infrastructure: Diaspora contributions support temples, schools, and hospitals. For example, the Punjab NRI Sabha has funded over 500 rural healthcare centres.

5. Structural Shifts and Risks

Source Diversification: Remittances from advanced economies (US, UK, Canada) now exceed those from Gulf nations. High-skilled migrants in these regions send larger sums, averaging $1,200–1,500 monthly.

Brain Drain Concerns: Over 1.8 million Indian students studied abroad in 2024, raising fears of talent loss. However, their remittances and eventual return with global expertise offer long-term benefits.

6. Policy and Future Outlook

Government Initiatives: Tax incentives, NRE accounts, and double-taxation treaties encourage remittance flows. Programs like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas strengthen diaspora ties.

Climate Resilience: The World Bank projects remittances will grow further due to climate-induced migration, offering a buffer for vulnerable regions.

Remittances are a double-edged sword: They fuel consumption, reduce poverty, and stabilise the economy, but can also discourage industrial growth in remittance-dependent states. Balancing these inflows with policies that incentivise productive investments, rather than mere consumption, will be critical for sustainable development. With remittances projected to rise, their role as India’s economic lifeline is set to expand further.

Impact of the Indian Diaspora on the Population Composition of Host Countries

The Indian diaspora, estimated at over 18 million people globally, has significantly shaped the population composition of several host countries, both in terms of numbers and demographic diversity.

1. High Population Shares in Key Countries

In some countries, Indians form a substantial proportion of the total population, particularly in the Gulf and Southeast Asia:

Qatar: Indians constitute about 30.5% of the total population, making them the largest expatriate group in the country.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): Indians account for approximately 27% of the population, with around 3.6 million residents of Indian origin.

Bahrain: About 19% of the population is of Indian origin.

Oman: Indians make up 18% of the population.

Kuwait: Indians represent roughly 17.5% of the population.

These large proportions have transformed the demographic landscape, especially in countries with smaller native populations, leading to a multicultural and multilingual society.

2. Significant Diaspora Communities in Western Countries

While the percentage is lower, the absolute numbers are significant in Western countries:

United States: With an estimated 5.4 million people of Indian origin, Indian-Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups, especially in urban centers like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.

Canada: The Indian diaspora numbers around 2.8 million, making up a notable share of the population, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

United Kingdom: The Indian-origin population is about 1.8 million, forming one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the country.

3. Regional and Cultural Diversity

The Indian diaspora is not homogeneous. It includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), with a wide range of linguistic, religious, and regional backgrounds. This diversity enriches the social fabric of host countries and often leads to the establishment of vibrant Indian neighbourhoods, cultural centres, and religious institutions.

4. Economic and Social Influence

The demographic presence of Indians has also translated into economic and social influence. In countries like the US and UK, Indian-origin individuals are prominent in sectors such as healthcare, IT, academia, and business. In the Gulf, Indian workers are vital to construction, services, and healthcare.

5. Examples of Population Impact

Country Indian Diaspora Population Percentage of Total Population

Qatar ~800,000 30.5%

UAE ~3,600,000 27%

Bahrain ~300,000     19%

Oman ~800,000 18%

Kuwait ~1,000,000 17.5%

United States ~5,400,000 ~1.6%

Canada ~2,800,000 ~7.5%

United Kingdom ~1,800,000 ~2.7%

Malaysia ~2,900,000 ~9%

Indian diaspora shaping the cultural diversity of host countries

The Indian diaspora is a powerful force in shaping and enriching the cultural diversity of host countries across the globe. Their influence is visible through several key avenues:

Preservation and Promotion of Indian Culture

Indian communities actively preserve and share their traditions, languages, dances (like Bharatanatyam and Kathak), music (Carnatic and Hindustani), and diverse cuisines. This is achieved through language schools, cultural events, religious practices, and artistic performances.

Major Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri are celebrated with enthusiasm in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf, often involving local populations and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Indian cuisine has become a mainstream part of the culinary landscape in many countries, with Indian restaurants and food festivals introducing local communities to Indian flavors and cooking styles.

Cross-Cultural Exchange and Fusion

The diaspora not only preserves Indian traditions but also adapts and fuses them with local cultures, resulting in unique cultural blends such as Indo-Caribbean cuisine and hybrid music and dance forms.

The spread of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda practices rooted in Indian heritage has had a profound impact on global wellness and lifestyle trends, largely due to the efforts of the diaspora.

Influence in Arts, Literature, and Media

Indian-origin writers, filmmakers, and artists contribute to global literature and media, exploring themes of identity, migration, and cultural negotiation. Notable examples include authors like Salman Rushdie and Jhumpa Lahiri, whose works bridge Indian and Western experiences.

Indian cinema, music, and television have gained international audiences, further enhancing cultural exchange and appreciation.

Community Building and Social Integration

The diaspora establishes cultural centres, temples, and community organisations that serve as hubs for both Indians and locals, promoting intercultural dialogue and social cohesion.

Through educational initiatives, scholarships, and institutional support, the diaspora also contributes to academic and professional excellence in host countries.

Diplomatic and Soft Power Roles

Members of the Indian diaspora often serve as informal cultural ambassadors, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between India and their host countries. Their presence helps build bridges, resolve misunderstandings, and promote multiculturalism.

Conclusions

The Indian diaspora’s efforts in preserving, adapting, and sharing their heritage have made Indian culture a vibrant and integral part of the social fabric in many countries. Their festivals, food, arts, and values not only celebrate India’s diversity but also enhance the multicultural character of their host societies, promoting mutual respect and global understanding.

Links: 

https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-diaspora-and-india-s-growth-story

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/rise-of-indian-diaspora-3159307#google_vignette 

https://www.america-times.com/the-indian-diaspora-past-present-and-future/