MEA data puts Overseas Indians at 37280845, the world's largest diaspora
Background
The Ministry of External Affairs publishes country-wise data on the Indian Diaspora Abroad. The table is titled Data on Indian Diaspora Abroad (as of January 2026). It counts 19520317 PIOs and 17760528 NRIs, a total of 37280845 Overseas Indians. PIOs means Persons of Indian Origin and NRIs means Non-Resident Indians. Canada records the largest figure with a total of 3247980 Overseas Indians. Australia records 845800 and Fiji records 318364.
Total Overseas Indians:
37280845
PIOs:
19520317
NRIs:
17760528
Canada:
3247980
Why it matters for exams: Diaspora totals and the PIO–NRI distinction are standard questions in Kerala PSC and UPSC general awareness.
Kerala PSCUPSC