The report concludes that the Indian diaspora has played a defining role in Britain’s growth, innovation and global standing, with its contributions recognised at the highest levels of public life
A new report has highlighted the strong and lasting contribution of the Indian diaspora to the United Kingdom, describing the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group. The white paper, titled Migration of the Indian Diaspora to the UK, was launched at the House of Lords and produced by multicultural advertising agency Here & Now 365 in partnership with the Aston India Centre at Aston University.
Drawing on economic and labour market data, the report shows that Indians in the UK have high levels of employment, strong educational qualifications and a deep-rooted culture of entrepreneurship. It also notes that professionals of Indian origin play a major role in Britain’s technology and IT sector, where the UK ranks among the world’s leading hubs. Indian-led businesses and research initiatives are creating jobs, supporting skills development and encouraging knowledge sharing across communities.
The report traces four major waves of Indian migration since India’s independence
The first wave arrived after the Second World War, helping Britain rebuild its economy and contributing to key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and public services, including the early foundations of the National Health Service.
The second wave followed the expulsion of Asians from East Africa in the early 1970s, when many Indian-origin families moved to the UK and established successful businesses that revitalised local economies.
The third wave saw a rise in highly skilled professionals in fields such as finance, medicine, engineering and education, reflecting Britain’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy. The fourth and most recent wave, shaped by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of Indian talent in addressing skills shortages, especially in healthcare, social care and technology. Indian-born professionals now make up about 15 per cent of the UK’s technology workforce.
