18 Countries with the Highest Indian Population Worldwide
India is not only the most populous country globally, with approximately 1.43 billion people, but it also has a vast diaspora. As of January 2025, over 34.3 million Indians live abroad, according to the Ministry of External Affairs in India. This diaspora plays a crucial role in boosting the Indian economy, as India is the largest recipient of global remittances, which contribute nearly 3.5% to its GDP. A significant portion of these remittances originates from the Gulf nations.
In a recent report, it was noted that India’s remittances for 2025 could reach around $135.4 billion, with about 38% coming from Gulf countries, home to over 9 million Indians. The Indian community also makes a notable impact in the United States, where many Indians hold key positions in major companies and contribute significantly to taxes despite making up less than 2% of the U.S. population.
Key Developments
Just recently, India’s Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced its plan to acquire Organon & Co in New Jersey for $11.75 billion, a move that is expected to elevate the company into the top 25 global pharmaceutical firms. Additionally, a report highlighted that several Fortune 500 companies are led by executives of Indian origin, including Alphabet Inc., whose CEO, Sundar Pichai, has overseen impressive growth since 2015.
Indian Population Abroad
Here’s a look at the 18 countries with the largest Indian populations:
18. Bahrain
- Indians: 346,856
Indians make up the largest expatriate group in Bahrain, comprising around 30% of the population.
17. Germany
- Indians: 450,390
The Indian workforce has grown in Germany, especially since the 2022 Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed.
16. Singapore
- Indians: 457,180
Singapore has a vibrant Indian community, including a lively Little India neighborhood known for its Indian food and culture.
15. Trinidad & Tobago
- Indians: 549,545
Indians constitute over one-third of the population in this Caribbean nation.
14. Oman
- Indians: 662,053
Oman is home to the largest Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region.
13. Nepal
- Indians: 700,000
Due to the open border with India, many Indians live and work in Nepal.
12. Qatar
- Indians: 830,491
Indians form the largest expatriate group in Qatar, significantly contributing to the economy.
11. Mauritius
- Indians: 897,497
The majority of the Indian community in Mauritius are descendants of laborers brought in the 19th century.
10. Australia
- Indians: 976,000
Australia has seen a significant increase in its Indian population over the past decade.
9. Kuwait
- Indians: 1,010,317
Indians are the largest expatriate group in Kuwait and play a crucial role in the economy.
8. United Kingdom
- Indians: 1,339,969
The Indian community is the largest ethnic minority in the UK, making up roughly 2.5% of the overall population.
7. South Africa
- Indians: 1,392,488
Most of the Indian population in South Africa consists of descendants of indentured laborers who arrived in the 1860s.
6. Sri Lanka
- Indians: 1,607,500
Sri Lanka has a substantial Indian population, primarily of Indian origin.
This diverse presence of Indians across the globe highlights the significant impact they have in various sectors and cultures, strengthening ties between India and these nations.
