Countries that have had leaders of Indian descent

The global Indian diaspora has had a significant political impact far beyond the borders of India. Across continents, individuals of Indian heritage have risen to high offices, including heads of state and government. Below is a list of (1)

As the country with the largest diaspora around the world, the political footprint of India spans continents, cultures, and governments.

Leaders of Indian descent have risen to the highest political offices in countries across the globe, reflecting the community’s enduring legacy of resilience, education, and public service.

From Downing Street to the Caribbean, the presence of Indian-origin leaders demonstrates how diaspora communities are shaping political landscapes far from their ancestral roots.

At least 10 countries across four continents have seen individuals of Indian origin rise to the role of either head of state or head of government.

Here are some key examples:

United Kingdom

Rishi Sunak, the first British Prime Minister of Indian descent, made history in 2022. A former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sunak’s rise underscores the integration and influence of the Indian community in British politics.

Suriname

Chandrikapersad "Chan" Santokhi, President of Suriname since 2020, is of Indian descent. His leadership reflects the legacy of indentured labourers brought to South America in the 19th century.

Portugal

António Costa, the former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015–2024), is of Goan-Indian heritage through his father. Costa's tenure marked a shift in European politics toward more inclusive representation.

Guyana

Both Cheddi Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo, among others, served as Presidents and are of Indian ancestry. Guyana has a large Indo-Caribbean population descended from indentured labourers brought by the British.

Singapore

Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition, and President Halimah Yacob (2017–2023), although of mixed descent, reflect strong Indian representation in Singaporean governance.

Mauritius

Several leaders, including Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Pravind Jugnauth, emphasise the central role of the Indo-Mauritian majority in politics.

Fiji

Though politically turbulent, Fiji has had leaders like Mahendra Chaudhry, the first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister, underscoring the Indian community's deep roots in the Pacific.

Trinidad and Tobago

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the country's first female Prime Minister, is of Indian descent. Indo-Trinidadians make up nearly 40% of the population.

Abigail Johnson Boakye