Indian Diaspora Guide: Connecting with Indians Worldwide

With over 18 million people, the Indian diaspora is the largest in the world. From Silicon Valley to the City of London, Indians have built thriving communities that preserve cultural ties while embracing their new homes.

Where Indians Are Thriving

North America

• Toronto: One of the fastest-growing Indian communities globally. Brampton, in the Greater Toronto Area, is often called "Little India" with its concentration of Indian businesses, temples, and cultural centres.
• New York/New Jersey: Jackson Heights in Queens is the heart of the Indian community on the East Coast, with South Indian, Gujarati, and Punjabi subcultures.
• San Francisco Bay Area: The tech industry has drawn hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals to Silicon Valley.

Middle East

• Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Indians form the largest expat group in the UAE, with communities organised around language — Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Gujarati speakers each have their own associations.

United Kingdom

• London: Southall is known as "Little Punjab," while Wembley has a large Gujarati community. Leicester has one of the largest Indian populations outside India.

Australia

• Sydney and Melbourne: Rapidly growing Indian communities, especially among tech professionals and students.

Staying Connected to Indian Culture

Festivals

Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Pongal are celebrated by Indian communities worldwide. Major cities host large public celebrations — London's Diwali on Trafalgar Square and Toronto's Festival of South Asia draw tens of thousands.

Temples and Spiritual Centres

Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Jain temples serve as community anchors. Many offer language classes, cultural programmes, and community meals (langar at gurdwaras is open to everyone).

Food

Indian grocery stores and restaurants are among the first businesses Indian immigrants establish. From dosa to dal, finding familiar flavours helps combat homesickness and creates gathering places.

Bollywood and Cricket

Shared love of Bollywood films and cricket creates instant bonds. Look for cricket clubs and Bollywood movie screenings in your city.

How to Find Indians in Your City

1. Search on Immigie by setting your nationality to Indian and entering your city

2. Visit Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers (US), or local equivalents

3. Find a temple or gurdwara near you — they welcome everyone

4. Look for Indian professional associations like TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) for networking

5. Join local cricket clubs — often dominated by South Asian players

Building Your Network

The Indian diaspora is known for its strong professional networks. Organisations like TiE, NASSCOM, and various alumni associations (IIT, IIM) have chapters worldwide. These can be invaluable for career growth and business opportunities.

Whether you're a student arriving for university, a professional on a work visa, or a permanent resident, the Indian community in your city is ready to welcome you. Use Immigie to find Indians near you and start building connections today.