Financial expert and Chartered Accountant Sarthak Ahuja recently spotlighted the Indian diaspora’s remarkable achievements and influence in the United States, emphasising their contributions across education, business, technology, and philanthropy.
Though Indians constitute only about 1.5% of the US population—approximately 5.1 million people—they contribute over 5% of the country’s tax revenue, reflecting their significant economic impact driven by high earnings, innovation, and intellectual capital.
In an Instagram video, Ahuja highlighted how Indian-Americans are key players in innovation and economic growth, demonstrating the community’s substantial influence.
He shared compelling data illustrating the diaspora’s broad successes: Indian Americans hold 10% of US patents, make up 10% of doctors serving 30% of patients, and account for 11% of unicorn startup founders.
They own 60% of hotels across the US, and 70% of American colleges have Indian leadership. With 78% holding college degrees—more than double the national average of 36%—and 76% working in high-skill jobs, their professional excellence is clear. Indian children excel academically as well, winning over 80% of recent Spelling Bee competitions.
Although Indian restaurants represent only 1% of US eateries, they make up 3% of Michelin-starred venues.
Ahuja also underscored the diaspora’s philanthropic power, noting that in 2023 alone, Indian Americans donated $1.5 billion within the US and $800 million to India, further highlighting their global soft power built through generations of dedication.
The video gained traction on social media, with celebrated screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar sharing it on X (formerly Twitter). The comments section overflowed with admiration, with users applauding Indian-Americans’ vast contributions to the US economy, innovation, and philanthropy.
One viewer remarked, "This stat clearly shows when given the right opportunities and direction, Indian origin people can bring so much positive change in the world. We have so much untapped potential within our country's bounds. Give us the right environment to grow and we can take better care of ourselves."
Another user praised the community, writing, "The US economy runs well because of the Indians."
Supporting these observations, data from the Pew Research Center revealed that the median household income for Indian Americans in 2022 was $145,000, significantly higher than the $100,000 median for Asian Americans overall, underscoring the group’s economic strength and upward mobility.