🧳Global Indian Diaspora Unit 8 – Indian Diaspora: Middle East & Africa

Historical Context

• Indian presence in the Middle East and Africa dates back to ancient times, with trade routes connecting the regions
• Colonial era saw increased migration of Indians to these regions, often as indentured laborers (plantation workers, construction of railways)
• Post-colonial period witnessed a surge in skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers moving to the Middle East for economic opportunities
  • Oil boom in the Gulf region in the 1970s attracted a large number of Indian workers
  • Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait became major destinations for Indian migrants
• Historical ties between India and East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, facilitated Indian settlement
  • Many Indians arrived as traders, craftsmen, and administrators during the British colonial rule
• Partition of India in 1947 led to the displacement of many Indians, some of whom migrated to the Middle East and Africa

Migration Patterns

• Indian migration to the Middle East and Africa has been diverse, including skilled professionals, semi-skilled workers, and laborers
• Gulf countries have been a major destination for Indian workers since the 1970s
  • Majority of Indian migrants in the Gulf are employed in the construction, hospitality, and service sectors
  • Temporary labor migration, with workers returning to India after their contracts end, is common
• Indian migration to Africa has been more permanent, with many Indians settling in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania
  • Indian traders and merchants have a long history of presence in East African coastal cities
• Family reunification and chain migration have contributed to the growth of Indian communities in these regions
• Recent years have seen an increase in the migration of highly skilled Indian professionals to the Middle East and Africa
  • Sectors such as IT, healthcare, and engineering have attracted Indian talent
• Feminization of migration, with an increasing number of Indian women migrating for work, particularly in the healthcare sector

Cultural Adaptation

• Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa has maintained strong cultural ties with India while adapting to local contexts
• Language plays a significant role in cultural adaptation
  • Many Indians in the Gulf countries learn Arabic to navigate daily life and work
  • In East Africa, Indians often speak local languages like Swahili along with English and Indian languages
• Indian cuisine has gained popularity in these regions, with Indian restaurants and food products widely available
  • Fusion of Indian and local culinary traditions has led to the emergence of unique dishes
• Indian festivals and cultural events are celebrated by the diaspora, often with local adaptations
  • Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated in many Middle Eastern and African countries with significant Indian populations
• Indian cinema and music have a strong presence in these regions, contributing to cultural exchange
• Intermarriages between Indians and locals have led to the emergence of hybrid cultural identities

Economic Impact

• Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the economies of Middle Eastern and African countries
• Remittances from Indian workers in the Gulf countries have been a major source of foreign exchange for India
  • In 2020, India received over $80 billion in remittances, with a significant portion coming from the Gulf region
• Indian entrepreneurs and businesses have invested in various sectors in these regions, including trade, manufacturing, and services
  • Indian companies have a strong presence in the Gulf countries, particularly in the IT and construction sectors
• Indian professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and teachers, have played a crucial role in the development of human capital in these countries
• Indian traders and merchants have historically been active in East African economies, particularly in the retail and wholesale trade
• Economic success of the Indian diaspora has sometimes led to resentment and tensions with local populations

Social and Political Dynamics

• Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa has navigated complex social and political landscapes
• In the Gulf countries, Indians are temporary migrants with limited political rights and social integration
  • Kafala system, which ties workers' visas to their employers, has been criticized for its potential for exploitation
  • Recent reforms in some Gulf countries have aimed to improve workers' rights and conditions
• In East Africa, Indians have historically faced discrimination and political tensions
  • Expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972 by Idi Amin led to the displacement of thousands of Indians
  • In South Africa, Indians were subjected to apartheid policies and struggled for political representation
• Indian diaspora has also been active in local politics and social movements
  • In South Africa, Indians played a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Ahmed Kathrada
• Social stratification within the Indian diaspora, based on factors like religion, caste, and region of origin, has sometimes led to tensions

Religious Influences

• Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa represents diverse religious backgrounds, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity
• In the Gulf countries, Indian Muslims have found cultural and religious affinities
  • Many Indian Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia
  • Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated by Indian Muslims in the region
• In East Africa, Indian religious traditions have coexisted with local beliefs and practices
  • Hindu temples and Sikh gurudwaras are found in countries like Kenya and Tanzania
  • Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism has a significant presence in East Africa, with temples in several countries
• Religious organizations and networks have played a role in maintaining cultural ties and providing support to the Indian diaspora
• Interfaith marriages and religious conversions have contributed to the religious diversity of the Indian diaspora

Contemporary Issues

• Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa faces various challenges and opportunities in the contemporary context
• Labor rights and working conditions remain a concern for Indian workers in the Gulf countries
  • Cases of exploitation, wage theft, and poor living conditions have been reported
  • Governments of India and Gulf countries have been working to address these issues through bilateral agreements and reforms
• Integration and assimilation of second and third-generation Indians in these regions is an ongoing process
  • Questions of identity, belonging, and citizenship are being navigated by younger generations
• Political instability and economic challenges in some African countries have affected Indian communities
  • Anti-Indian sentiment and violence have occasionally erupted, such as the expulsion of Indians from Uganda in 1972
• COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Indian diaspora, with job losses, repatriation, and travel restrictions
• Indian government has been engaging with the diaspora through initiatives like the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Overseas Citizenship of India program

Notable Figures and Contributions

• Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa has produced many notable figures who have made significant contributions in various fields
• Mahatma Gandhi spent two decades in South Africa, where he developed his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and fought against racial discrimination
  • Gandhi's experiences in South Africa shaped his later leadership of the Indian independence movement
• Ahmed Kathrada, an Indian-origin South African, was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and political prisoner alongside Nelson Mandela
• Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the British rock band Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar to Indian Parsi parents
• Abdulaziz Yusuf Hamza, an Indian-origin Emirati, served as the Minister of State for Finance and Industry in the UAE
• Zarina Screwvala, an Indian entrepreneur in the UAE, co-founded the media company UTV and is involved in philanthropic activities
• Ketaki Sheth, a Kenyan-born Indian photographer, has documented the lives of the Indian diaspora in Africa through her work
• Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist of Indian descent, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003
• These figures exemplify the diverse contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora in the Middle East and Africa