Indians have lived, studied, and worked in the West for generations, but many still experience racism in subtle and systematic ways. The reasons for this are not rooted in just one factor, but in a mix of history, culture, economics, and ongoing stereotypes.
The Shadow of Colonialism
India was once called the “jewel in the crown” of the British Empire. That colonial past left behind powerful stereotypes that continue to influence how Indians are viewed in the West. During colonial times, Indians were portrayed as people who needed to be “civilized” or “guided,” and echoes of those attitudes can still be seen today in patronizing comments, exotic portrayals in media, and the assumption that Indian culture is somehow backward. For some, India’s rise — especially surpassing the GDP of its former colonizer, Britain — adds an unspoken layer of discomfort or jealousy.
Religion and Cultural Misunderstanding
Many Indians follow religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, or Jainism, which are less familiar to people in the West. Simple things such as wearing a turban, practicing vegetarianism, or celebrating festivals like Diwali can make Indians stand out in societies where cultural norms are very different. Lack of understanding often leads to prejudice. After 9/11, for example, Sikhs in turbans were often mistaken for extremists and targeted out of ignorance.
Economic Competition and Immigration Patterns
Indians are visible in almost every sector of the Western economy, from doctors and engineers to taxi drivers and small business owners. In highly skilled fields, their success can spark resentment, as some locals feel that immigrants are taking away opportunities. At the same time, Indians in lower-wage jobs also face discrimination, with accusations that they are undercutting local workers. This “can’t win either way” situation is one of the unique challenges Indians encounter abroad.
The Model Minority Trap
In places like the United States and the UK, Indians are often labeled as a “model minority” — successful, hardworking, and high-achieving. While that may sound like praise, it is actually a double-edged sword. It places unrealistic expectations on Indian communities while fueling resentment among others who feel unfairly compared. It also erases the struggles of Indians who don’t fit the stereotype, such as working-class migrants or those facing poverty.
Systematic Racism at Large
Finally, it’s important to remember that Indians, like all people of color in the West, are subject to wider systems of racial inequality. Whether it’s bias in hiring, discrimination in housing, or microaggressions in daily life, racism against Indians doesn’t exist in isolation — it’s part of the larger racial hierarchy built into many Western societies.