The article first appeared in The Economic Times on Jan 18, 2025
The Indian diaspora has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in global cities like Toronto, London, and Melbourne. While this widespread presence is a testament to India’s cultural and economic influence, it has also led to tensions among Indians themselves. Social media platforms are flooded with debates, reflecting deep-seated cultural and generational differences within the Indian diaspora. From cricket stadiums to local communities, these divides are becoming more visible, affecting the overall social fabric of these cities.
Back in the early 2000s, while working in the US, I remember a friend joking about the overwhelming presence of South Asian organizations, suggesting the need for a group called SAASA—South Asians Against South Asians. At the time, it seemed like a lighthearted remark, but today, as one scrolls through Instagram reels, this notion appears more real than ever. The Indian diaspora has grown to such an extent that internal conflicts have begun spilling onto the global stage.
One of the most striking examples of this phenomenon is in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself entangled in a situation that originated in India’s Punjab during the 1980s. The friction among certain Canadian Punjabis, largely independent of mainstream Canadian society, has created political and diplomatic challenges. The sheer size and influence of the Indian diaspora have made such issues impossible to ignore.
The impact of this vast community is evident in entertainment as well. Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh can sell out Canada’s biggest hockey stadium multiple times—something even the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs might struggle to do. Similarly, comedian Zakir Khan fills London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall with a Hindi-language show, showcasing the immense cultural reach of the Indian diaspora in Western nations.
While this global presence brings pride and recognition, the internal divides among Indians abroad highlight the complexities of migration, identity, and generational change…
Read More in The Economic Times
Find more Global Indian Top Reads