New Delhi: India is the origin of the largest number of international migrants in the world, touching nearly 18 million, according to the UN World Migration Report 2024. As of May 2024, the total number of overseas Indians worldwide is approximately 35.42 million, which includes about 15.85 million non-resident Indians (NRIs) and nearly 19.57 million individuals of Indian origin (PIOs), according to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The United States is home to the largest Indian population in the world, totaling 5.4 million people, which represents approximately 1.6 per cent of the country’s overall population of 345 million. Notably, Indian immigrants have made significant contributions across various sectors, with over 20 CEOs of Indian origin leading Fortune 500 companies as of 2024.
Southeast and Southwest Asian nations such as Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Singapore boast some of the largest Indian populations globally due to economic and educational opportunities.
Countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, attract a substantial number of Indian migrants due to their favorable investment and government policies for hiring skilled workers. Asia Pacific countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Singapore are also home to large Indian populations, driven by economic and educational opportunities.
