‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.

With about 35 million NRIs and persons of Indian origin, India has the world's largest diaspora, and its most influential concentrations sit in North America and Europe — a “living bridge” that shapes both politics and economics in host countries.

Political role

• United States: roughly five million Indian-Americans form a coveted swing constituency; Kamala Harris rose to the vice-presidency, the congressional “Samosa Caucus” has grown steadily, and the India Caucus is among the largest country caucuses — courted through spectacles like “Howdy Modi” (2019).
• Europe: Rishi Sunak became British Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar led Ireland, and António Costa of Goan origin headed Portugal's government before presiding over the European Council; Britain's 1.9 million-strong Indian community influences marginal seats.

Economic role

• Indian-Americans are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US and lead global firms — Google (Sundar Pichai), Microsoft (Satya Nadella), IBM and Adobe.
• Indians receive over 70 per cent of H-1B skilled-worker visas, powering the American technology economy, while Indian-origin doctors are a backbone of Britain's NHS.
• The diaspora remitted a record of around US$129 billion to India in 2024 — the world's highest — and has lobbied effectively for Indian interests, notably the 2008 India–US civil nuclear deal.

The diaspora is not monolithic, and immigration politics can strain ties. Yet it remains a decisive asset, converting India's demographic spread into diplomatic access, economic leverage and soft power across America and Europe.