Chicago, USA: India continues to hold the world's largest diaspora population, now reaching 3.43 crore people, according to a recent government statement in the Lok Sabha cited by the Economic Times. The diaspora is nearly evenly divided, with 1.71 crore Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and 1.71 crore Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
Beyond their numbers, overseas Indians play a vital role in India's economy. As per RBI data, remittances surged to an all-time high of $135.46 billion in 2024-25, reflecting a 14% jump from the previous year. The World Bank also highlights that India has remained the top global recipient of remittances for more than 10 years.
Where Do Overseas Indians Live?
Almost 50% of India's diaspora population is concentrated in just 10 countries. The United States tops the list with 56.9 lakh Indians, followed by the UAE with 38.9 lakh, Malaysia with 29.3 lakh, and Saudi Arabia with 27.5 lakh, according to ET's report.
Country-wise Indian Population (in lakh):
- USA – 56.9
- UAE – 38.9
- Canada – 36.1
- Malaysia – 29.3
- Saudi Arabia – 27.5
- Sri Lanka – 16.1
- South Africa – 13.9
- UK – 13.4
- Kuwait – 10.1
- Singapore – 4.6
The Gulf remains a major hub for NRIs, with nearly 76.5 lakh Indians living across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. On the other hand, PIOs are heavily concentrated in Western nations, with the US, UK, and Canada together hosting around 66 lakh people — almost 40% of the total PIO population.
Presence in Smaller Nations
Smaller countries also host significant Indian-origin communities. These include Mauritius (8.9 lakh), Fiji (3.1 lakh), Trinidad & Tobago (5.4 lakh), Guyana (3.2 lakh), Suriname (1.8 lakh), and Reunion Island (3 lakh).
India's Cultural and Diplomatic Outreach
The government continues to strengthen ties with its diaspora through cultural and diplomatic initiatives. Currently, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) operates 38 centres globally, located in cities such as London, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Johannesburg, Berlin, Beijing, and Tokyo. Interestingly, despite hosting the largest Indian diaspora, the United States has no ICCR centre; instead, cultural affairs are managed directly by embassy officials.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) maintains 219 Missions and Posts worldwide and has signed migration and mobility partnership agreements with seven countries. Regular Joint Working Group meetings with GCC nations also focus on ensuring the welfare of Indian migrant workers.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has earlier emphasized that India also provides research grants through the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for NRI, PIO, and OCI scholars working in priority areas. These efforts, he said, highlight India's commitment to nurturing stronger and lasting bonds with its global diaspora.
