Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part H (2025)

The world’s largest transnational population is found in India. From the Gulf to Northern America to Europe, the Indian diaspora is found on every continent and in every region. The diaspora is incredibly energetic and lively worldwide. 34 million Indians were living outside of their country of birth, according to the UN DESA population division’s “International Migration 2025 Highlights” report. According to this report, India’s sizable diaspora is dispersed over several important countries of destination, with the UAE housing the greatest number of Indian migrants at 3.5 million, the US at 2.7 million, and Saudi Arabia at 2.5 million. Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Kingdom were among the other nations that hosted a significant number of Indian migrants. The largest Indian diaspora in the globe is considered to be among the most “vibrant and dynamic”. From Mauritius to the US, Indian expats are present in many nations and make substantial contributions to the social, cultural, and economic spheres. The greatest Indian diasporas are found in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The nature and destination of the Indian diaspora are examined in this research. India places great importance on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a group of Gulf nations. Only the Arabian Sea separates India’s “immediate” vicinity from the Gulf. The GCC is made up of the following six nations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The Ministry of External Affairs estimates that 8.9 million Indian migrants were living in the Gulf nations as of 2024. The United Nations reports that the six Gulf nations of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain are home to 56 per cent of non-resident Indians and 25 per cent of overseas Indians. With millions of Indians currently residing in the UAE, the number of Indian expatriates has increased dramatically. Indians are essential to the UAE’s economic growth, working in industries like business, healthcare, and construction. India has a sizable workforce in Saudi Arabia, especially in fields like information technology, healthcare, and construction. The infrastructure and economic development of Saudi Arabia have benefited greatly from the efforts of the Indian minority. There are 3.2 million Indians living in Bahrain, 10.3 million in Qatar, 7.8 million in Oman, and 7.3 million in Kuwait. The diaspora, which serves as a conduit between India and its host nations, has been a source of strength and influence that has an impact on the economy, trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. Gulf nations have been important places for Indians to work and conduct business. In actuality, Gulf employers have favoured Indian community members above others for employment due in large part to their professionalism, discipline, and dedication. They now contribute to the growth and development of the Gulf nations. Indians who work in the United Arab Emirates transfer a portion of their salary to their family back home. With increased capital flows, investments, and consumption, foreign remittances help India's economy thrive and provide many people with a substantial source of steady financial assistance. The UAE is the second-largest source of remittances to India because so many Indians work in a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, and construction. India will be the largest recipient of remittances, with inflows likely to increase 12.4 per cent to $125 billion in 2023 or 3.4 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, according to World Bank’s latest report. The importance of the Indian diaspora on India-GCC relations is assessed in this essay. The literature on the nature and destinations of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, the role of the diaspora in strengthening ties between India and the GCC nations, economic cooperation between the two countries, and strategic partnerships between India and the GCC nations forms the basis of this paper.