India, with a population of approximately 1.4286 billion, leads globally in emigration, with nearly 18 million international migrants of Indian origin. The top destinations for the Indian diaspora include the United States (5.4 million), the United Arab Emirates (3.6 million), Malaysia (2.9 million), and Canada (2.8 million). In the U.S., Indians constitute about 1.6% of the population, with significant representation in leadership roles across various sectors.
The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports approximately 35.42 million overseas Indians as of May 2024, comprising Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). The diaspora’s global presence underscores India’s expanding influence, with Indians contributing significantly to the economies and societies of their host countries.