TL;DR The number of racial attacks on Indians abroad has increased in recent years, particularly after 2019, with incidents concentrated in a few countries. The data highlights emerging patterns in where and when such cases occur, alongside a broader increase in complaints from Indian students and workers overseas.

Context

In recent years, reports of racial attacks on Indians living abroad have become more visible. These incidents affect a wide range of persons, including students, professionals, and migrant workers, and can involve verbal abuse, discrimination, or physical violence. Such cases are often linked to factors like cultural differences, economic pressures, or negative stereotypes about immigrant communities. While many Indians live and work safely in different countries, these incidents highlight the challenges some individuals face in their daily lives. They also point to broader concerns about social inclusion, equal treatment, and the effectiveness of local laws in protecting minority groups. Here, we look at the trends in racial attacks on Indians living abroad.

Who compiles this data?
The data on racial attacks on Indians living abroad is compiled and published by the Ministry of External Affairs, mostly through replies to questions in the Parliament of India.

Where can I download clean & structured data related to this?

Clean, structured, and ready-to-use detailed dataset on year and country- wise racial attacks on Indians abroad is available on Dataful. Other datasets available on Dataful include those on Overseas Citizens of India, Indians living abroad who were killed, hate crimes in the United States, and related topics.

Key Insights

• Between 2014 and 2025, a total of 90 cases of racial attacks on Indians abroad have been reported. The data shows a clear upward trend beginning in 2019, when only 2 cases were reported. This number increased steadily over the years, reaching a peak of 22 cases in 2024, indicating a notable rise in reported incidents during this period.

• A majority of the cases were reported from Canada (40), followed by the United States (15) and Germany (14). Notably, Germany saw a sharp increase recently, with 11 of its 14 cases reported in 2024 and 3 in 2025. Canada has consistently reported incidents since 2019, with at least 2 cases each year, while Poland has recorded at least one case annually since 2021.

• According to the MEA’s response to a recent parliamentary question on grievances regarding racial discrimination, exploitation, and wage denial, complaints filed by Indian students abroad crossed 350 in 2025, heavily driven by a threefold increase in cases originating from Russia (Moscow) since 2023. In 2025, Russia alone accounted for 201 cases.

• In the case of workers, the majority of the complaints were filed in the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Other countries with a large/rising number of complaints include Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos.

Why does it matter?

As global migration from India continues to grow, addressing such incidents is important for ensuring safer and more inclusive societies. As per information shared in the parliament, the Government of India has put in place multiple support mechanisms. These include 24×7 helplines, grievance portals like MADAD and eMigrate, and active intervention by Indian embassies with local authorities in host countries. Dedicated labour wings, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras, and regular outreach such as open houses and consular camps are also used to address complaints and provide assistance. Strengthening these measures remains key to improving protection and building confidence among Indians living and working overseas.

Key Numbers

• Total cases of racial attacks on Indians reported: 90 (2014 – 2025)
  2019: 2 cases → 2024: 22 cases (peak)

• Canada: 40 cases (highest in racial attack cases)

• Indian students’ complaints abroad: 350+ (2025) → Russia: 201 cases