A new white paper has spotlighted the significant and long-standing contribution of the Indian diaspora to the making of modern Britain, positioning the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a key pillar of its growth story. The report, unveiled on 5 February at the House of Lords, documents how Indian migrants have shaped the United Kingdom’s recovery, prosperity and innovation across several decades, offering a narrative that resonates strongly with Indian viewers tracking the global achievements of the diaspora.
Titled Migration of the Indian Diaspora to the UK, the study was prepared by multicultural agency Here & Now 365 in collaboration with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It traces four distinct waves of migration since India’s independence in 1947 and examines how each phase aligned with Britain’s changing economic needs. Using labour market and economic data, the paper outlines how Indian workers, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals consistently stepped in during moments of national transition, contributing to sectors ranging from public services to advanced technology.
The first major wave followed the Second World War, when Britain faced severe labour shortages in manufacturing, transport and healthcare. Indian migrants filled critical roles in factories, buses and rail networks, as well as in the fledgling National Health Service. Their work helped stabilise essential services and supported the country’s post-war reconstruction. For many families, these early migrants laid the foundation for future generations by combining steady employment with a strong focus on education and social mobility.
A second wave emerged in the 1970s after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda under Idi Amin. Many East African Indians who arrived in the UK brought with them entrepreneurial experience and trading skills. They established small businesses, retail shops and local enterprises that revitalised neighbourhood high streets and created jobs. The report notes that this generation played a major role in strengthening Britain’s culture of small and medium enterprises, while also building close-knit community networks.
The third phase saw a rise in skilled migration, with Indian professionals entering fields such as finance, medicine, engineering and education. These workers contributed specialised knowledge that enhanced Britain’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. Doctors, teachers and engineers of Indian origin became a familiar presence across institutions, reinforcing the community’s reputation for professional excellence and academic achievement.
More recently, a fourth wave shaped by Brexit and the Covid pandemic has accelerated Indian participation in healthcare and digital innovation. The study estimates that Indian-born workers now account for around 15 per cent of the UK’s technology workforce, underscoring their role in driving the country’s tech sector. During the pandemic, many also served on the front lines of the NHS and care services, sustaining the health system during an unprecedented crisis.
Drawing on employment and education data, the report concludes that the Indian community leads among migrant groups in workforce participation, qualifications and entrepreneurship. It also highlights the diaspora’s growing influence in startups, research and cross-border trade, strengthening economic ties between India and Britain. Manish Tiwari, founder of Here & Now 365, said Indian migrants have repeatedly supported Britain in times of need, from rebuilding after the war to powering the digital revolution and reinforcing health services during emergencies.
The document describes the Indian diaspora as deeply woven into Britain’s growth story and credits it with fostering innovation, public service delivery and cultural exchange. Forewords from political leaders, academic experts and business figures underline the importance of continued collaboration and diaspora-led growth. For Indian audiences, the findings serve as a reminder of how the community’s hard work and resilience have not only created opportunities abroad but also strengthened India’s global standing through its people’s achievements overseas.
