Connecting Lives: The Role of the Indian Diaspora in the Middle East

This study examines the significant influence of the Indian diaspora on shaping the country’s bilateral relations with the Middle East. According to the World Bank, nearly 9 million Indians contribute to diverse sectors of the Gulf economy, with remittances playing a crucial role in bolstering India’s economy and supporting individual livelihoods (World Bank, 2022). As a widely dispersed community across the region, the Indian diaspora serves as a vital intermediary in fostering cultural, economic, and political engagement. The historical ties between India and the Middle East, rooted in centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange, have provided a strong foundation for these interactions. The Indian diaspora, through its linguistic and cultural familiarity, has played a vital role in fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and has served as an informal channel of diplomacy. Politically, the diaspora’s active involvement in the affairs of both host and home countries has strengthened diplomatic ties. In light of this, the question remains: How do Indian communities in the Middle East contribute to strengthening India-Middle East relations? What benefits do these large Indian diaspora populations bring to India’s economy, culture, and strategic interests? How do India and Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) countries collaborate to manage their mutual interests and address the challenges faced by Indian expatriates in the Gulf region? What are the key dynamics of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, and how do they shape the bilateral relationship between India and the GCC nations? The chapter shall discuss some of these broader dynamics of the Indian diaspora in the Middle East.