Indians Shaping the World: 10 Nations with the Largest Indian Communities

Indians Shaping the World: The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 18 million Indians living abroad, according to the United Nations. These communities not only maintain their cultural identity but also contribute significantly to the economies, societies, and political landscapes of the countries they reside in. From technological innovation in the United States to the bustling trade hubs of the Middle East, Indians have established themselves as global leaders and changemakers.

This article explores the profound impact of Indian communities across ten nations, delving into their cultural preservation, economic contributions, and influence on local and global platforms. By highlighting these contributions, we can better understand how the Indian diaspora shapes the world in meaningful ways.

Indians Shaping the World

Country	Indian Population	Key Contributions
United States	5.1 million	Technology, medicine, academia
United Arab Emirates	3.5 million	Construction, healthcare, retail
Saudi Arabia	2.6 million	Engineering, healthcare, education
Malaysia	2 million	Cultural preservation, trade, local politics
United Kingdom	1.9 million	Business, politics, arts
Canada	1.8 million	Healthcare, technology, multicultural leadership
South Africa	1.7 million	Historical contributions, politics, local industries
Sri Lanka	1.6 million	Tea industry, cultural diversity
Mauritius	894,500	Politics, cultural influence
Australia	700,000	Information technology, education, healthcare

The Indian diaspora is a testament to the global influence of Indian culture, talent, and resilience. With communities spread across the world, Indians continue to shape economies, enrich cultures, and foster international collaboration. From the U.S. to Australia, the contributions of Indian communities are indispensable in today’s interconnected world.

1. United States

The United States hosts the largest Indian diaspora, with over 5.1 million individuals of Indian origin. Indian Americans have excelled in various sectors, including technology, medicine, and academia. Prominent figures like Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc.) and Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) exemplify the community’s success in technology.

Contributions:

Economic Impact: Indian Americans have the highest median household income among ethnic groups in the U.S., contributing significantly to the economy.
Education: They emphasize education, with a high percentage holding advanced degrees. Nearly 75% of Indian Americans aged 25 or older hold at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 33% of the total U.S. population.
Cultural Influence: Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are now mainstream celebrations in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Indian cuisine has also become a staple in the U.S., with Indian restaurants thriving nationwide.

2. United Arab Emirates

The UAE is home to 3.5 million Indians, making them the largest expatriate group in the country. They form a backbone of the labor force, especially in industries like construction, retail, and healthcare.

Key Highlights:

Economic Contribution: Indians account for more than 30% of the UAE’s total population and are vital to its workforce. They significantly contribute to infrastructure development and urban growth.
Remittances: Indian workers in the UAE send billions of dollars back home annually, strengthening India’s economy. In 2023, remittances from the UAE alone exceeded $20 billion.
Cultural Impact: From Bollywood movie screenings to Indian classical music events, the cultural exchange between the UAE and India is profound. Indian cuisine, clothing, and traditions are widely celebrated.

3. Saudi Arabia

Approximately 2.6 million Indians reside in Saudi Arabia, contributing to sectors like engineering, healthcare, and education. Despite cultural differences, Indians have integrated into Saudi society while maintaining their heritage.

Highlights:

Skilled Workforce: A significant number of Indians in Saudi Arabia work as engineers, doctors, and IT professionals, playing a crucial role in the country’s modernization efforts.
Entrepreneurship: Many Indians have established successful businesses, ranging from small enterprises to large trading companies.
Community Events: Indian cultural programs and festivals, including Diwali and Eid celebrations, foster connections between Indian and Saudi communities.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to 2 million Indians, primarily descendants of laborers brought during the British colonial era. Today, they are a vital part of Malaysia’s diverse cultural fabric.

Key Contributions:

Cultural Preservation: Indian Malaysians have preserved their heritage through festivals like Thaipusam, traditional dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, and culinary delights including roti canai and teh tarik.
Economic Influence: Indian Malaysians are active in various sectors, including trade, law, and medicine. They also play a key role in Malaysia’s thriving IT industry.
Political Participation: Indian Malaysians contribute to local governance, with several serving as prominent members of Parliament and local councils.

5. United Kingdom

With a population of 1.9 million, Indians are among the largest ethnic minorities in the UK. They have made significant contributions to business, politics, and arts.

Notable Achievements:

Political Milestones: The UK’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin, Rishi Sunak, exemplifies the community’s influence. Additionally, numerous Indian-origin politicians hold key roles in Parliament.
Economic Contributions: Indian-owned businesses in the UK generate billions annually. For example, Tata Group owns Jaguar Land Rover, one of Britain’s largest employers.
Cultural Integration: From Indian cinema in Leicester Square to curry houses nationwide, Indian culture is deeply embedded in British life.

6. Canada

Canada’s Indian community, numbering around 1.8 million, is one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are hubs of Indian culture.

Contributions:

Healthcare and Technology: Many Indo-Canadians work in healthcare and IT, helping meet Canada’s labor demands. Indian professionals also contribute to academia and research.
Cultural Festivals: Events like the Toronto International Film Festival often feature Indian cinema. Diwali and Vaisakhi parades attract thousands of participants.
Economic Integration: Indian businesses in Canada are thriving, with contributions to industries like real estate, education, and retail.

7. South Africa

The Indian community in South Africa, estimated at 1.7 million, has a unique history, with many descended from 19th-century indentured laborers.

Contributions:

Historical Influence: Mahatma Gandhi began his civil rights work in South Africa, inspiring global movements for justice and equality.
Economic Participation: Indians are active in retail, education, and healthcare, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
Cultural Heritage: Indian traditions, including music, dance, and cuisine, are integral to South African culture.

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Indian community, approximately 1.6 million strong, has historical ties to the plantation industry.

Contributions:

Tea Industry: Many Indian-origin individuals work in Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, which are vital to the nation’s economy.
Cultural Influence: Tamil traditions enrich Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, with festivals like Pongal celebrated nationwide.

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9. Mauritius

Indians make up 894,500 of Mauritius’s population, shaping its political and cultural landscape.

Highlights:

Political Leadership: Mauritius has had several Indian-origin Prime Ministers, including Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.
Cultural Impact: Indian festivals, music, and languages like Bhojpuri are central to Mauritian society.

10. Australia

Australia’s Indian population has grown rapidly, reaching 700,000. They are well-represented in sectors like information technology, education, and healthcare.

Contributions:

Economic Growth: Indian Australians contribute to Australia’s economy through skilled professions and entrepreneurial ventures.
Cultural Diversity: Indian food, music, and festivals are popular across Australia, with events like Indian Film Festivals drawing large audiences.

FAQs On Indians Shaping the World

1. Why is the Indian diaspora significant?

The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 18 million people. Their economic, cultural, and social contributions shape the countries they reside in.

2. Which country has the largest Indian community?

The United States has the largest Indian community, with over 5.1 million individuals.

3. What are the key contributions of Indians abroad?

Indians have excelled in technology, medicine, business, politics, and arts, significantly impacting their host countries’ economies and cultures.

4. How do Indians preserve their culture abroad?

Indians maintain their culture through festivals like Diwali, traditional cuisines, religious practices, and community organizations.

5. What is the significance of the Indian diaspora?

The Indian diaspora strengthens global ties, fosters cultural exchange, and boosts economic and technological collaboration between India and other nations.