According toIndiaspora, a non-profit organization which was established to promote the success of Indian diaspora worldwide and improve their impact on society. The Indian diaspora has managed to make an impact in various countries and in different fields ranging from politics, academia, business, arts, media, healthcare, entertainment, healthcare, media, philanthropy, science, and technology
As for politics and government, more than 200 persons of Indian origin occupy the top leadership positions in more than 15 countries across the world. This is according to the 2021 Indiaspora Government Leaders List. The leadership roles the Indian diaspora occupy include legislators, diplomats, heads of central banks and senior roles in civil service.
The top positions are occupied by Indians in countries with a significant diaspora population such as Canada, Australia, South Africa, Singapore UK, United Arab Emirates, and the US.
These are some of the important names on the list:
Kamala Harris, vice president, United States
Leo Varadkar, the tánaiste and minister for enterprise, trade and employment, Ireland
Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, UK.
Priti Patel, home secretary UK
Antonio Costa, prime minister, Portugal
Mohamed Irfaan, president, Guyana
Pravind Jugnauth, prime minister, Mauritius
Prithvirajsing Roopun, president, Mauritius
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president, Suriname
Alok Sharma, president for COP 26, UK
According to Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur and investor, “These leaders are building a legacy for future generations, and one that extends beyond our community to all of the constituents and communities that they serve.”
Referring to Kamala Harris becoming the Vice-president of the United States, he said, “It is a huge source of pride to have the first woman and first person of color as the Vice President of the world’s oldest democracy be someone of Indian heritage. We wanted to use this seminal moment on Presidents’ Day to highlight a host of others in the diaspora who also are in public service.’’
There are more than 32 million people of Indian origin or PIOs across the world and Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world.
The Indians in the list represent more than 587 million constituents and the countries they represent account for 28 trillion USD in GDP which is an indication of the impact the Indian diaspora have on the world.
Some of the members in the list are part of the first generation of immigrants to the country who came in as refugees or for economic opportunities the others belong to the second generation of immigrants.
The top leadership position occupied by the India diaspora across the world only proves the impact and change they can make.