Top 15 Countries with the Largest Indian Immigrant

India is a country with a vast diaspora, and millions of Indians live in various parts of the world. Immigration from India has increased significantly in the past few decades, contributing to the cultural, economic, and social growth of many countries.

15 countries with the most significant Indian immigrant populations, providing facts about each country’s Indian community:

1. United States

• Indian Population: Over 4.5 million
• Key States: California, New Jersey, Texas
• Main Professions: Technology, healthcare, academia, business
• Community Influence: Indian Americans are one of the wealthiest ethnic groups in the U.S.
• Causes of Migration: Skilled migration, family reunification, education
• Cities with Large Indian Populations: New York, San Francisco, Chicago

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Indian Population: Over 3.5 million
• Key Cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
• Main Professions: Construction, hospitality, retail, domestic work
• Community Influence: Significant impact on local economy and culture
• Causes of Migration: Employment opportunities, proximity to India
• Other Notes: Many Indian businesses operate in the UAE, and cultural festivals are widely celebrated.

3. Saudi Arabia

• Indian Population: Around 2.5 million
• Key Professions: Construction, engineering, hospitality
• Main Cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
• Community Influence: Indian workers contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s labor force
• Causes of Migration: Job opportunities, labor migration programs
• Other Notes: The Indian community is active in cultural and religious events.

4. United Kingdom

• Indian Population: Approximately 1.5 million
• Key Cities: London, Birmingham, Leicester
• Main Professions: Healthcare, finance, technology, academia
• Community Influence: Significant cultural, political, and economic contributions
• Causes of Migration: Colonial history, employment opportunities, education
• Other Notes: British Indians have a strong presence in politics, business, and media.

5. Canada

• Indian Population: Around 1.7 million
• Key Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
• Main Professions: IT, healthcare, business, education
• Community Influence: Indian Canadians are well integrated and contribute to the country’s economy and multicultural identity
• Causes of Migration: Liberal immigration policies, skilled worker programs, higher education
• Other Notes: Punjabi is one of the most spoken languages in Canada.

6. Kuwait

• Indian Population: Approximately 1 million
• Key Professions: Construction, retail, healthcare, domestic work
• Main Cities: Kuwait City, Salmiya, Hawally
• Community Influence: Indians play a crucial role in Kuwait’s workforce
• Causes of Migration: Job opportunities in various sectors
• Other Notes: The Indian community actively participates in religious and cultural events.

7. Oman

• Indian Population: About 1 million
• Key Professions: Construction, retail, service industry
• Main Cities: Muscat, Salalah, Sohar
• Community Influence: Indians are vital to Oman’s economy and have strong cultural ties to their homeland
• Causes of Migration: Employment opportunities, stable economy, historical connections
• Other Notes: Indian businesses and cultural organizations are well established in Oman.

8. Australia

• Indian Population: Over 700,000
• Key Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
• Main Professions: IT, healthcare, engineering, business
• Community Influence: Strong presence in the tech industry, multicultural impact
• Causes of Migration: Skilled worker programs, educational opportunities
• Other Notes: The Indian community in Australia celebrates various cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi.

9. Malaysia

• Indian Population: Around 2.5 million
• Key Professions: Agriculture, retail, education, healthcare
• Main Cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru
• Community Influence: Indian Malaysians are integral to the country’s political, economic, and cultural fabric
• Causes of Migration: Colonial history, employment, economic opportunities
• Other Notes: Many Indian Malaysians are descendants of indentured laborers brought during British rule.

10. South Africa

• Indian Population: Around 1.3 million
• Key Professions: Agriculture, retail, politics, business
• Main Cities: Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town
• Community Influence: Significant political and social impact, including the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi
• Causes of Migration: Indentured labor migration, economic opportunities
• Other Notes: Indian South Africans have played a key role in the country’s history and independence movement.

11. Qatar

• Indian Population: Approximately 700,000
• Key Professions: Construction, engineering, hospitality
• Main Cities: Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor
• Community Influence: Indians are a major part of Qatar’s labor force
• Causes of Migration: Job opportunities in the construction and service sectors
• Other Notes: Indian cultural institutions and festivals are well-established in Qatar.

12. Singapore

• Indian Population: Around 500,000
• Key Professions: Technology, finance, healthcare, education
• Main Cities: Singapore (city-state)
• Community Influence: A significant influence on the city’s multicultural identity
• Causes of Migration: Employment opportunities, historical immigration, education
• Other Notes: Indian culture is celebrated through festivals like Diwali, and many Indian businesses operate in Singapore.

13. Thailand

• Indian Population: Approximately 300,000
• Key Professions: Trade, manufacturing, tourism
• Main Cities: Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai
• Community Influence: Indians contribute to Thailand’s economic growth, particularly in commerce and industry
• Causes of Migration: Trade and business opportunities
• Other Notes: Indian temples, restaurants, and cultural organizations are common in major cities.

14. Fiji

• Indian Population: Around 350,000
• Key Professions: Agriculture, retail, politics, education
• Main Cities: Suva, Lautoka, Nadi
• Community Influence: The Indian community has a major impact on Fiji’s culture, politics, and economy
• Causes of Migration: Indentured labor migration, economic opportunities
• Other Notes: The majority of Fijians of Indian descent are descendants of indentured workers brought by the British.

15. Mauritius

• Indian Population: Around 700,000
• Key Professions: Agriculture, government, business
• Main Cities: Port Louis, Beau-Bassin, Quatre Bornes
• Community Influence: Indians constitute the largest ethnic group in Mauritius, influencing culture and politics
• Causes of Migration: Colonial-era indentured labor, economic opportunities
• Other Notes: Indian festivals and culture are central to Mauritian society, with strong ties to India.

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Summary

The Indian diaspora is spread across the globe, with substantial populations in these 15 countries. Whether in the Gulf countries, the U.S., Canada, or beyond, Indians continue to shape the cultural, economic, and social landscapes of their adopted homes. Their migration has been driven by factors such as employment, education, and historical ties, and they have consistently made meaningful contributions to the countries they now call home.

Source:

1. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) – Population Division:
   https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/
2. Pew Research Center – Migration and Diaspora Studies: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/08/19/hindu-migrants-around-the-world/
3. World Bank – Migration and Remittances Data: https://data.worldbank.org/topic/migration-and-remittances
4. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Migration Data: https://www.iom.int/migration-data
5. Indian Ministry of External Affairs – Diaspora: https://www.mea.gov.in/indian-diaspora.htm
6. OECD – International Migration Data: https://www.oecd.org/migration/