Leslie Massey
Australia is currently experiencing a significant rise in its Indian diaspora, with Indians being the second-largest migrant group in the country. The number of people in Australia with Indian heritage is around 976,000, as per the 2021 census, and this number is constantly rising. The Indian community in Australia has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when Indian seamen and soldiers were aboard visiting European ships. Over time, Indian migration to Australia has progressed from migrant labourers in the 19th century to skilled professionals in the 21st century. Today, Indians in Australia are well-represented in various sectors, including politics, business, and education, and play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Indians in Australia | 710,000-783,958 (2021 census); 976,000 (another source for 2021 census); 721,050 (Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate for 2019) |
| Percentage of Australian population with Indian heritage | 3.1% (2021 census); 4% (another source) |
| Indian students in Australia | 120,000 |
| Indian migration to Australia | Began with British settlement in 1788; Indian explorers settled in Australia around 4,000 years earlier |
| Indian-Australians in politics | Four Indian-origin politicians in the New South Wales government, including the first Indian-origin treasurer of an Australian state, Daniel Mookhey |
| Indian-Australians in business | Run their own businesses, including restaurants and wineries |
| Bilateral ties | Migration deal to make it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work in India and Australia; economic cooperation and trade agreement; collaboration in agriculture, education, technology, innovation, STEM, wetland agriculture, space tech, green energy, indigenous art, and more |
| Safety in Australia for Indians | Perceived as generally safe, with a low risk of petty and violent crime and high confidence in the police |
| Socializing with fellow Indians in Australia | InterNations Groups in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and other places for socializing and networking |
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What You'll Learn
Indian Australians: history and demographics
Indian Australians are the second-largest and fastest-growing overseas group in Australia, with around four percent of Australia's population being of Indian origin. The Indian community in Australia has seen a significant rise in recent years, with the number of Indians in the country doubling between 2011 and 2021. In 2024, India was Australia's sixth-largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $48 billion AUD.
The history of Indian migration to Australia dates back to the 18th century. Indians played a role in the development of Australia's transport system, running 'camel trains' that were the main means of transport into the interior of the country before the advent of roads and railways. Indians also participated in the Victorian gold rush and worked on banana plantations in Southern Queensland, with some eventually owning their own plantations. Around the start of the 20th century, there were approximately 6500-7000 Indians in Australia, according to Australian records.
Following India's independence from Britain in 1947, there was an increase in the number of Indian-born Anglo-western white British citizens and mixed-race European-Indians migrating to Australia. However, the 1901 Immigration Restriction Act had curtailed migration from India to Australia, and this trend of decreasing Indian migration continued until after World War II.
In recent years, India has been the largest source of new permanent annual migrants to Australia, with 20.5% of Australian permanent resident visas going to Indians in 2017-18. Additionally, there were around 70,000 Indian students enrolled in Australian universities and colleges during that period. Indians in Australia are highly educated, with 54.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher as of 2016, more than three times the national average.
Hindi and Punjabi are among the top 10 languages spoken in Australia, with other Indian languages such as Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, and Gujarati also being widely spoken within the Indian Australian community. Indian religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, make up a small but significant portion of Australia's religious landscape.
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Indian students in Australia
Australia is a popular destination for Indian students seeking to pursue higher studies or gain vocational skills. In 2023, there were over 120,000 Indian students in Australia, and this number is predicted to increase. Indian students are drawn to Australia by the high-quality education system, the opportunity to work part-time, and the availability of scholarships.
Indian students have a variety of resources to support them during their time in Australia. The Indian Associations, for example, organise cultural events and provide opportunities to connect with other members of the Indian community, including senior Indians who are willing to offer mentorship and advice. Additionally, Australian universities often have career centres that can help students find part-time work.
It is important for Indian students to be well-informed about the costs, rules, and regulations related to studying and living in Australia. The Australian High Commission supports an agents' association, AAERI, whose members can provide information and assistance with enrolment and visa applications. However, it is essential for students to ensure that any agents they engage are authorised representatives of their chosen institution.
Overall, Australia offers a welcoming environment for Indian students, with opportunities for cultural engagement, academic development, and career advancement. The growing Indian diaspora in Australia, currently the country's second-largest migrant group, contributes to a sense of community and representation in various sectors.
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Indian food and culture in Australia
Indian food and culture have become an integral part of Australia's multicultural society. The journey of Indian cuisine to Australia is intertwined with the immigration narrative, as Indian immigrants brought their culinary traditions and cultural practices to the country, integrating them into the Australian way of life. Indian food has added to the diversity of Australia's food culture, introducing a range of spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables unique to the various regions of India. Spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom, coriander, and blends like garam masala have become pantry staples in Australian kitchens, enhancing the flavour of everyday meals.
Indian cuisine has not only introduced new ingredients to Australia but has also brought traditional cooking methods such as slow-cooking stews, grilling on the tandoor, and tempering spices. These techniques have been embraced by chefs and home cooks alike, who have personalised them to suit their tastes. The popularity of Indian food in Australia has led to the establishment of numerous Indian restaurants, ranging from small eateries to large chains, with dishes like curries, samosas, and flatbreads becoming common across the country.
Indian food has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding in Australia. Indian food festivals, cooking classes, and cultural events have become common, celebrating the rich heritage of Indian cuisine and educating Australians about the diversity within Indian food. These events break down stereotypes and encourage exploration beyond the familiar north Indian staples of tandoori meat and curries. A new generation of Indian chefs is working to introduce Australian palates to the diverse regional cuisines of India, showcasing the lesser-known flavours and dishes from various states.
Indian-Australian fusion cuisine has emerged as a creative melding of culinary traditions, reflecting Australia's multicultural landscape. This fusion has resulted in innovative dishes such as curry-flavoured sausage rolls, masala-flavoured meat pies, and coconut milk-infused lamingtons, and Mumbai-style spring rolls. The health benefits associated with Indian cuisine have also resonated with Australians, as the country increasingly focuses on healthy living and wellness. The spices and ingredients used in Indian cooking offer nutritional advantages, contributing to the growing appeal of Indian food in Australia.
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Indian expats in Australia: socialising and events
Moving to a new country can be a daunting task, especially when you've spent a significant part of your life in your home country. Socialising and attending events are great ways to meet people and make friends. InterNations, the world's trusted expat network, organises monthly events and activities for Indian expatriates in Australia to get to know like-minded people in real life. These events are held in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. They range from casual get-togethers to big expat celebrations. For example, an April 2025 event was held at Cafe Del Mar, Darling Harbour, and another at The Griffins Hotel, overlooking Hindmarsh Square.
There are also InterNations Groups you can join, with activities like sightseeing, hiking, dinners, sports, and outings to explore Australia. InterNations also has forums where you can ask questions and get advice from other Indian expats.
If you're looking for Indian culture-specific activities, there are Indian dance schools and Indian language programmes on radio and in schools in all major cities.
Another way to meet people is through mutual friends. Harsh, an Indian expat living in Melbourne, said that he made friends through his job, WhatsApp groups, and meetups. He also moved to Australia with a friend, which helped overcome the initial loneliness.
Some popular places to visit in and around Melbourne that Harsh recommends include the royal botanical gardens, the Docklands harbour, The Twelve Apostles, the Yarra ranges, and the Mornington Peninsula.
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India-Australia relations
Australia and India have a long history of military relations, dating back to before India's independence when Indian soldiers fought alongside Australian soldiers in campaigns during both World Wars. In recent times, the two countries have conducted joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, such as Malabar 2007, alongside other nations.
In the post-war period, Indians were involved in the Australian camel trains, transporting goods and mail by camel before road and rail networks were developed. Indians also participated in the Victorian gold rush and worked on banana plantations in Southern Queensland. After India gained independence in 1947, a large number of Anglo-Indians migrated to Australia.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in the pre-Independence period when the Consulate-General of India was opened as a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941. Australia now has five diplomatic missions in India, including the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Consulate Generals in major cities.
The two countries have strong and growing strategic, economic, and community ties. Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, with their numbers continuing to rise. According to the 2021 census, there were around 976,000 Australians with Indian heritage, including 673,000 Indian-born Australians, representing 2.6% of Australia's population. The Indian community in Australia is also the fastest-growing overseas-born group.
Australia and India have been working to strengthen their economic relationship. In 2022, the Australia-India Economic and Trade Agreement (ECTA) was signed, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and increasing trade. India was Australia's fourth-largest export market and fifth-largest trading partner in 2023, with two-way trade reaching $49 billion. Australia and India are also collaborating in various sectors, including renewable energy technologies, agriculture, education, and tourism.
Cultural exchanges and community ties are also significant aspects of the relationship. Initiatives like the Australia India Leadership Dialogue and Australia India Youth Dialogue connect leaders and emerging voices from both nations, fostering collaboration and stronger bilateral ties.
In summary, Australia and India have a long-standing relationship with historical military ties, growing economic relations, and a vibrant multicultural community connecting the two nations. The recent agreements and initiatives further strengthen the strategic, economic, and community ties between Australia and India.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, there were 783,958 people of Indian ancestry living in Australia, representing 3.1% of the total population. However, other sources state the number to be around 976,000. Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, and their numbers are continuing to rise.
InterNations is a community that helps Indians connect and meet up with other Indians across Australia, including in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and many other places. They host regular events and activities, such as dinners, sports, and outings, providing opportunities to socialize and connect with fellow Indians.
Australia offers high-quality education, a welcoming environment for educational collaborations, and work opportunities. The two countries have been strengthening their bilateral ties, making it easier for students, academics, and professionals to travel and work in both countries. Additionally, Australia's Indian community is the fastest-growing overseas group, providing a sense of familiarity and support for new migrants.
Overall, Australia is perceived as a safe country for Indians and expats in general. The risk of petty crime and violent crime is considered low, and confidence in the police force and local authorities is high. Female expats, in particular, have rated their safety in Australia as very safe. However, it is important to consider that safety can vary depending on the specific location and individual circumstances.
