Indian Diaspora and Remittances
Strategic Dimension of GCC Ties
The approximately 8.9 million Indians in GCC countries represent one of the world's largest diaspora concentrations in a single region. Remittances from GCC-based Indians form a major component of India's total remittance inflows, which at USD 120 billion (FY 2023-24) made India the world's largest recipient of remittances for the seventh consecutive year.
- India's total remittances: USD 120 billion (FY 2023-24) — world's largest recipient
- GCC share of India's remittances: approximately 35–40% (largest single source region)
- Remittances as % of India's GDP: approximately 3.4% (FY 2023-24)
- Key source states within India for GCC migrants: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan
- Worker categories: construction, hospitality, retail, healthcare, IT (white-collar migration to UAE particularly significant)
- FTA implication for workers: services chapter of the FTA may include movement of natural persons (Mode 4 under GATS), potentially offering better conditions for Indian professionals and skilled workers in GCC
● Tracked since February 24, 2026 · last seen July 05, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
See it in today’s brief.
Daily current affairs with every static concept explained in place.
Read the daily brief