The Indian diaspora is facing unprecedented challenges, marked by rising hostility and backlash in Western nations, necessitating a serious examination of its evolving narrative and future strategies.
New Delhi: Since December 2024, I have cautioned that a moment of reckoning is approaching for the Indian diaspora, often celebrated as one of the great success stories of the country. Once regarded as a model minority globally, this community is now confronting perplexing and unprecedented attacks, including mass protests in Australia and Ireland, which call for curbing immigration from India.
In the United States, this backlash has been fueled, in part, by comments from former President Donald Trump and some members of his administration regarding trade tariffs. These remarks have resonated with significant segments of the so-called MAGA base. However, it would be unwise to dismiss this as merely a fringe reaction or conspiracy theory.
Since the early 19th century, when Indians first began migrating to America, this backlash represents one of the most vicious emerging challenges for a community that contributes over $100 billion annually to India’s economy. It is essential to take these developments seriously and address the root causes before they undermine the remarkable narrative of Indian immigration.
As a dark cloud looms over the unprecedented global mobility and interconnectedness of recent decades, the narrative surrounding the Indian diaspora, particularly in Western nations such as the United States, Ireland, and Australia, is souring dramatically. Once celebrated for its high levels of education, professional achievement, and economic prosperity, the community now faces a troubling counter-narrative.
A rising tide of protests, physical attacks, and vitriolic online abuse indicates a significant and alarming shift in perception. This article will explore the complex reasons behind this backlash, arguing that the very success of the Indian diaspora, combined with economic anxieties, cultural shifts, and geopolitical transformations, has ironically made it a target of resentment and hostility.
For decades, the story of Indian immigrants in the West has been framed as a testament to hard work and determination. Arriving in often unfamiliar and challenging environments, they have not only integrated but excelled, becoming one of the most economically successful communities in these nations. Their contributions are particularly notable in fields such as medicine, engineering, information technology, and finance.
This success is not merely anecdotal; it is supported by stark economic data. In the United States, for example, Indian Americans boast the highest median household income of any ethnic group. This economic prowess is increasingly reflected in leadership positions, with a growing number of Indian-origin individuals ascending to C-suite roles in major multinational corporations. Figures like Satya Nadella at Microsoft and Sundar Pichai at Alphabet have become global symbols of this incredible success story.
However, this very visibility and success have, in a cruel twist of fate, sown the seeds of a backlash. In a climate of growing economic inequality and social anxiety in many Western nations, the conspicuous success of a minority group can easily become a focal point for resentment. The narrative of the “model minority,” once a badge of honour, is now being weaponized to create a damaging dichotomy, pitting successful Indian immigrants against other minority groups and even the white working class. The talents and economic success of Indians, once celebrated as contributions to their adopted homelands, are now reframed as threats, a sentiment amplified by populist politicians and media outlets.
This resentment manifests in tangible and dangerous ways. In Australia, anti-immigration protests have specifically targeted Indians. In Ireland, a country historically known for its warmth, a spate of violent and unprovoked attacks against members of the Indian community has instilled a palpable sense of fear. In the United States, while violence may be less overt, hostility is evident in political discourse and online platforms, which have become breeding grounds for anti-Indian sentiment, often revolving around the trope of Indians “stealing” jobs.
The H1-B visa program in the United States serves as a lightning rod for much of this animosity. Designed to allow American companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, it has faced accusations of misuse. Some employers have been accused of using the program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor, and a minority of Indian employees have been complicit in a system perceived to undercut local wages and opportunities. While the majority of H1-B visa holders are highly skilled professionals who significantly contribute to the American economy, the actions of a few have tarnished the reputation of the entire community.
The abuse of the H1-B visa system has provided a potent narrative for those who wish to portray Indian immigrants not as assets but as economic mercenaries. This combination of economic success and the perception of being a threat has drawn unsettling parallels between the contemporary experience of Indians in some parts of the world and the historical experiences of Jewish people. Some argue that Indians are becoming “Jew adjacent,” resented for their success, adaptability, and perceived insularity. Just as Jewish people were historically resented for their economic success, Indians now face a similar brand of envy-fueled animosity.
The “model minority” label, akin to stereotypes used against Jewish people, creates a caricature of a community viewed as both hyper-successful and insular, further isolating them from the broader population.
This troubling trend is compounded by India’s rising stature on the global stage. As India’s economy grows and its geopolitical influence expands, its citizens can no longer be viewed through the patronizing lens of the “third world.” They are increasingly seen as representatives of a powerful nation challenging the established global order. This shift in perception impacts how Indian immigrants are viewed in the West; they are no longer seen as grateful newcomers but as representatives of a competitive and assertive nation. This geopolitical subtext adds another layer to the resentment, transforming economic anxiety into a form of quasi-nationalistic animosity.
Faced with this growing hostility, what is the way forward? Paradoxically, the solution may not be less immigration, but more. The current wave of anti-Indian sentiment is largely fueled by ignorance and caricature. The most effective way to combat these negative stereotypes is through greater cultural exchange and understanding. More immigration from India, particularly from a diverse cross-section of society, can help humanize the Indian diaspora in the eyes of the host population.
When immigrants are not just seen as doctors, engineers, and tech workers, but as artists, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs, it becomes more difficult to reduce them to a monolithic and threatening stereotype. These new waves of immigrants can act as cultural ambassadors, sharing their stories and showcasing a modern, pluralistic, and dynamic India often absent from the headlines. By engaging with local communities and sharing their culture, they can build the bridges of understanding that are desperately needed.
This is not to suggest that immigration is a panacea for all the complex issues at play. Host nations must also address the underlying economic and social anxieties that make their populations susceptible to xenophobic rhetoric. However, in the long run, the most potent antidote to hate is understanding, and the most effective way to foster that understanding is through human connection.
Indians must also become more politically active in their adopted countries than ever before. The old model of “keeping your head down and working hard” is no longer sufficient. To push back against the negative storm that is set to increase, they must integrate into the political fabric of their adopted countries. It is not enough to make large donations to key political parties; it is time to support community members who will run for office at every level and represent the community in government. The success that Indian immigrants have achieved in business and rising to C-suite positions must now be replicated in politics, with strong ambitions to reach top policy and administration roles.
In July, I recommended a strategic widening of Indian immigration to countries like Japan, Russia, Israel, Scandinavia, and parts of Europe, which remain largely unaffected by the negativity spreading in places like America. It is also time to consider establishing institutions akin to the American Jewish Committee to provide support for Indians who feel imperiled or discriminated against.
It is crucial to remember that in recent years, Indians have been equated with racism through a narrative that blames the age-old Indian caste system for the ills of slavery and racial discrimination in America and Europe. This propaganda has dire social consequences, making it socially acceptable to attack a community that, despite making up only 1% of the U.S. population, contributes 6% of all taxes collected.
Thus, the Indian diaspora in the West finds itself at a crossroads. The success that was once a source of pride has now made it a target of resentment. The model minority label has transformed into a double-edged sword, and the rising power of India has added a new dimension to the challenges they face. The comparison to the historical experiences of Jewish people serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of allowing prejudice to go unchecked.
The path forward is not to retreat into insularity but to double down on cultural exchange and engagement. By sharing their stories and showcasing the richness and diversity of their heritage, Indian immigrants can challenge the stereotypes and build a future where they are not just tolerated for their economic contributions but are truly valued as integral members of the societies they have chosen to call home.
Source: Original article