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Indian Diaspora in Saudi Arabia: Migration, Cooperation and Soft-power Strength

Author

Listed:
  • Jajati K. Pattnaik

    (Jajati K. Pattnaik is an Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.)

  • Chandan K. Panda

    (Chandan K. Panda is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Rajiv Gandhi University (A Central University), Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India.)

Abstract

Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia is arguably the least explored category. To conceptualise this diasporic event and its genesis, it correlates with the oil boom in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s, coinciding with oil exploration, drilling, commercialisation and transportation. The demand for workforce was met by India and other countries, mainly from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, etc. What characterised the core of Indian diasporic success in Saudi Arabia, given the Kingdom’s religious orthodoxy and strict civic and juridical regulations, is professionalism, dedication and commitment. This has catapulted them to robust engagements in various domains, including energy, infrastructure, trade, security and defence, as well as cricket, cuisine, culture and yoga. In light of this, the article examines the role of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and its complex history marked by Saudisation, stringent regulation and non-citizenship legal restriction in harnessing potential through enterprise and persistent entrepreneurship. It also argues that diaspora is a soft power asset that secures shared success and deeper synergies, binding the two countries in an enduring relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Jajati K. Pattnaik & Chandan K. Panda, 2025. "Indian Diaspora in Saudi Arabia: Migration, Cooperation and Soft-power Strength," India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, , vol. 81(4), pages 421-439, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indqtr:v:81:y:2025:i:4:p:421-439
    DOI: 10.1177/09749284251369649
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bina Fernandez, 2013. "Traffickers, Brokers, Employment Agents, and Social Networks: The Regulation of Intermediaries in the Migration of Ethiopian Domestic Workers to the Middle East," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 814-843, December.
    2. repec:sae:mrxval:v:47:y:2013:i:4:p:814-843 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Michael Lopesciolo & Daniela Muhaj & Carolina Ines Pan, 2021. "The Quest for Increased Saudization: Labor Market Outcomes and the Shadow Price of Workforce Nationalization Policies," Growth Lab Working Papers 179, Harvard's Growth Lab.
    4. Michael Lopesciolo & Daniela Muhaj & Carolina Ines Pan, 2021. "The Quest for Increased Saudization: Labor Market Outcomes and the Shadow Price of Workforce Nationalization Policies," CID Working Papers 132a, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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