The Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora (CSID), School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, organised a special lecture on “Indian Diaspora in the Gulf: Emerging Trends and Challenges” on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. The event was held at the CSID Lecture Hall, School of Social Sciences.
The distinguished speaker of the lecture was Professor Anisur Rehman, Head of the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. The session was chaired by Senior Professor Chandrasekhar Bhat.
Professor Ajay K. Sahoo, Head of the Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora, introduced the guest speaker. The lecture was attended by students, research scholars and faculty members, including Professor Ajailiu Niumai from the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusion Policy.
In his talk, Professor Rehman explored multiple dimensions of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, with particular attention to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the wider Middle East. He discussed the patterns of migration from India to the region, highlighting how economic opportunities, especially through remittances, serve both as a lifeline for migrant families and India’s soft power globally. Professor Rehman also drew attention to the terminology used in academic and policy discourse, emphasising the importance of referring to the “Middle East” as West Asia. He explained that the term “Middle East” is a colonial construct rooted in Eurocentric worldviews, whereas West Asia is a geographically more accurate and culturally defined. He also emphasised the need to decolonise knowledge frameworks and adopt terms that reflect regional realities more appropriately.
At the same time, he highlighted the pressing challenges faced by migrant workers, ranging from labour market vulnerabilities to exploitation. He noted India’s growing role in supplying skilled labour in response to the evolving demands of Gulf economies.
Prof. Rehman also talked about the importance of political cooperation between India and Gulf states, particularly in safeguarding the rights and interests of Indian workers abroad. Further, he talked how globalization and transnationalism have made migration an inescapable reality in our times, shaping not just economic ties but also cultural and political relations.
The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and obstacles confronting the Indian diaspora, while also outlining the responsibilities of the Indian government in addressing these concerns and securing the well-being of its citizens abroad.
The session drew participation from research scholars and master’s students of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. The lecture concluded with an engaging discussion, leaving the audience with new perspectives on the complexities of migration, diaspora, and India’s global presence.
Report prepared by Akash Bhati, PhD Scholar, Centre for the Study of Indian Diaspora, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad.