Top Countries With The Largest Indian Population Outside India

India has a long history of global migration. Whether in pursuit of better jobs, world-class education, or simply to reunite with family, millions of Indians have set their sights beyond the country’s borders. From students and skilled professionals to entrepreneurs and blue-collar workers, the Indian diaspora continues to thrive across continents.

Today, India holds the distinction of having the world’s largest overseas population, with over 35 million people of Indian origin living in different corners of the globe. They’ve built vibrant communities, preserved their cultural roots, and made remarkable contributions to the countries they now call home.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 countries with the highest Indian populations outside India, starting with the country that currently hosts the largest Indian diaspora.

1. United States – Over 5.4 Million

The United States is home to the largest Indian diaspora in the world. With more than 5.4 million Indians, the community consists of both Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).

Indian Americans have become a highly influential group, known for excelling in areas such as technology, healthcare, academia, and entrepreneurship. Many have made their mark in Silicon Valley, medicine, and even politics—some now serve in Congress and other high-ranking government positions, including the Vice Presidency.

Major Indian hubs include New York, California, New Jersey, and Texas, where Indian culture is celebrated through festivals, temples, and community events. Indian Americans also boast the highest median household income among major ethnic groups in the country.

2. United Arab Emirates – Around 3.6 Million

The UAE has the second-largest Indian community overseas, with an estimated 3.6 million Indians, accounting for nearly a third of the country’s population.

The Indian population here spans a wide spectrum—from construction workers and drivers to engineers, doctors, and business owners. The UAE’s welcoming business environment and economic ties with India have encouraged Indians to settle and invest in sectors like retail, real estate, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are filled with Indian restaurants, schools, and cultural centers, making it easy for the community to stay connected to their roots.

3. Malaysia – Around 2.9 Million

Malaysia has one of the oldest and most established Indian diasporas, with around 2.9 million Indians, primarily descendants of workers brought by the British colonial administration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Most Malaysian Indians are of Tamil origin, with minorities including Malayalees, Telugus, Sikhs, and Christians. The community has made significant contributions to education, business, law, medicine, and the arts.

Indian cultural life remains vibrant in Malaysia, with festivals like Deepavali, Thaipusam, and Pongal widely celebrated across the country, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

4. Canada – Approximately 2.8 to 2.9 Million

Canada is home to one of the fastest-growing Indian diasporas, with an estimated 2.8 to 2.9 million people of Indian origin.

Indian immigration to Canada saw a major boost post-1967 due to reforms in immigration policies favoring skills and education. Today, the community includes highly educated professionals, business owners, and students, contributing immensely to fields such as IT, healthcare, academia, and public service.

Punjabi Sikhs make up a significant portion of Indian Canadians, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Indian culture is well integrated into Canadian life, with many serving as MPs, ministers, and holding senior roles in the government.

5. Saudi Arabia – Around 2.5 Million

With about 2.5 million Indians, Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest expatriate Indian communities in the Middle East.

The Indian presence in Saudi Arabia dates back to the 1970s, coinciding with the country’s rapid economic expansion fueled by oil. Indians in Saudi Arabia work across various sectors, from construction and domestic work to education, healthcare, and engineering.

The Indian community plays a vital role in Saudi development projects and sends home significant remittances, making it a key contributor to India’s economy.

6. Myanmar – Over 2 Million (Estimated)

Myanmar has a deeply rooted Indian community, with historical ties going back to the British colonial era when Indians were brought in as workers for infrastructure, administration, and trade.

While the exact number is hard to pinpoint today, estimates suggest over 2 million people of Indian origin have roots in Myanmar. Many still reside in cities like Yangon and Mandalay, where Indian markets, temples, and traditions continue to flourish.

Despite facing social and political challenges, including citizenship issues, the community has remained active in commerce, local services, and cultural preservation.

7. United Kingdom – Around 1.9 Million

The Indian population in the UK is one of the oldest and most influential in Europe, numbering close to 1.9 million.

Migration from India increased post-World War II due to labour shortages, but connections go further back to the days of the British Empire. Indian Britons are well represented in medicine, law, engineering, academia, and increasingly in politics and media.

Many Indian-origin individuals now serve as Members of Parliament, ministers, and leaders in business. Indian festivals, food, and media have become integral parts of British culture.

8. South Africa – About 1.7 Million

South Africa’s Indian community, with around 1.7 million people, is the largest in Africa.

Indians first arrived in 1860 as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations in Natal. Today, many are descendants of both these labourers and subsequent waves of merchants and professionals.

The city of Durban has the highest concentration of Indians outside of India. South African Indians have played major roles in the anti-apartheid movement, politics, business, and education. They continue to uphold strong religious, cultural, and social traditions.

9. Sri Lanka – Around 1.6 Million

The Indian-origin population in Sri Lanka is estimated at 1.6 million, primarily composed of Tamils brought from South India by the British during the colonial period to work on tea plantations.

Although some have faced citizenship and rights issues, many have now integrated into Sri Lankan society while retaining cultural and linguistic ties to India.

The Indian community continues to be key to the tea and rubber industries, and festivals like Thai Pongal, Navaratri, and Diwali remain central to their identity.

10. Kuwait – Around 1 Million

Indians make up one of the largest expat communities in Kuwait, with around 1 million residents.

Migration to Kuwait increased during the mid-20th century, driven by the country’s demand for workers in the oil and service sectors. Today, Indians are employed in diverse sectors such as education, banking, healthcare, construction, and retail.

Despite being a temporary destination for many, Indian culture thrives through community schools, temples, and festivals. The remittances from Kuwait contribute significantly to India’s economy.

The Indian diaspora is not just about numbers—it’s about impact. Whether shaping policy in Washington, leading businesses in Dubai, or celebrating Diwali in Durban, Indians across the world continue to leave a lasting mark.

These global communities reflect India’s diversity, resilience, and drive. As migration continues in a rapidly changing world, the global Indian identity only grows stronger—blending tradition with innovation, and homegrown values with global aspirations.