The Indian diaspora has emerged as the most economically successful migrant community in the United Kingdom, according to a new study by Aston University in collaboration with multicultural agency Here & Now 365, cited in a Khalsa Vox report. The research highlights the community’s deep and sustained contribution to Britain’s economy, public services, and global influence.

Drawing on extensive labour market and economic data, the study positions Indians as a leading migrant group in terms of employment, education, and entrepreneurship. Indian-origin professionals now form a significant part of the UK’s technology and IT sector, reinforcing Britain’s status as a major global tech hub alongside the United States and China.

Indian-led businesses and professional networks have played a key role in job creation, skills development, and innovation across the country. The report describes the diaspora as “woven into the UK’s growth story,” citing its role in enterprise, research, and cross-border knowledge exchange.

Beyond economics, the study underscores the community’s impact on public services, governance, and Britain’s international standing. It traces this contribution through four distinct migration waves since India’s independence in 1947, each shaping modern Britain in different ways.

The first wave followed World War II, when Indian workers helped rebuild the UK by filling critical roles in manufacturing, transport, and healthcare, including early contributions to the National Health Service.

The second wave began in the 1970s after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin. Many migrants arrived with strong business experience, revitalising local economies and establishing thriving enterprises.

The third phase aligned with Britain’s shift toward a knowledge economy, bringing highly skilled Indian professionals into finance, medicine, engineering, and education—often into leadership positions.

The latest wave, shaped by Brexit and the pandemic, highlights the strategic importance of Indian talent in addressing skill shortages, particularly in healthcare, social care, and technology. Indian-born professionals now make up around 15 per cent of the UK’s tech workforce, driving digital transformation and innovation.

The study was launched at the House of Lords, signalling growing recognition of the diaspora’s role in shaping Britain’s economic and social landscape.