A Reserve Bank of India data reveals that NRIs sent a record $135.46 billion home in 2024-25. This figure is 14% higher than the previous year’s remittances. That said, according to a government reply in Lok Sabha, India’s diaspora has grown to 3.43 crore making it the largest in the world with Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) at 1.71 crore and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at 1.71 crore.

Overseas Indians who are spread across 207 countries mostly reside in just 10 countries.

The US tops the list with 56.9 lakh Indians, while the UAE follows second with 38.9 lakh. Saudi Arabia ranks third, hosting 27.5 lakh Indians, with Malaysia in fourth place (29.3 lakh).

Other countries include Sri Lanka (16.1 lakh), South Africa (13.9 lakh), the UK (13.4 lakh), Canada (36.1 lakh), Kuwait (10.1 lakh), and Singapore (4.6 lakh).

Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S. Jaishankar said, “To promote intellectual engagement, research grants are offered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for NRI, PIO, and OCI scholars working in priority areas in India. Together, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a deeper, enduring connection between India and its global diaspora.”

The MEA has signed migration and mobility partnership agreements with seven countries in order to expand employment opportunities.

Some of the smaller countries hosting Indian communities include Mauritius (8.9 lakh), Fiji (3.1 lakh), Trinidad & Tobago (5.4 lakh), Guyana (3.2 lakh), Suriname (1.8 lakh), Reunion Island (3 lakh), and Singapore (4.6 lakh).

The Gulf region in particular, which is a sought-after destination for NRIs has 76.5 lakh Indians residing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait put together. The Indian government’s Joint Working Groups actively engage with GCC countries to address migrant worker welfare. – editor@nrifocus.com