NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

Washington, D.C., July 14, 2025: A brand new report by the Carnegie Endowment for Worldwide Peace reveals that Indian People, particularly these born in america, have gotten extra related to their Indian identification.

The Indian American group—now numbering greater than 5.2 million—is the second-largest immigrant group within the U.S. by nation of origin. Carnegie’s report notes the group’s rising impression in all areas of American life—from politics and enterprise to science and tradition—whereas additionally calling consideration to the challenges and divisions it continues to face.

The research, based mostly on the 2024 Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS), discovered that 86% of U.S.-born Indian People mentioned being Indian is a crucial a part of who they’re—up from 70% in 2020. On the similar time, many are transferring away from calling themselves “Indian American.” In 2020, 43% used that label, however in 2024, solely 26% most popular it. As an alternative, phrases like “Asian Indian” and “Asian American” are gaining popularity.

Researchers say this reveals a rising sense of pleasure in Indian roots, at the same time as individuals mix Indian and American identities in several methods. “The concept of being each Indian and American is turning into stronger,” the report mentioned.

Civic Engagement and Citizenship

The survey additionally checked out civic and political involvement. It discovered that Indian People who’re U.S.-born residents are probably the most lively in public life—voting, attending group conferences, and becoming a member of social causes. Naturalized residents are considerably concerned, whereas non-citizens are a lot much less probably to participate in civic actions.

Ties to Indian Tradition

Indian People proceed to remain near Indian tradition. Most eat Indian meals repeatedly, watch Indian films, and have fun Indian festivals. Even these born within the U.S. preserve these traditions alive.

Views on Caste and Discrimination

The report discovered that 46% of Indian People establish with an higher or basic caste, whereas 32% mentioned they don’t belong to any caste. Regardless of variations in caste identification, a big majority—77%—help making caste-based discrimination unlawful in america.

Discrimination stays a priority. About 49% of these surveyed mentioned that they had confronted discrimination prior to now 12 months. Most mentioned it was based mostly on pores and skin shade. Discrimination was reported extra typically by U.S.-born Indian People than by these born in India. Many additionally imagine that Muslims within the Indian American group face increased ranges of bias.

What This Means

This third and last a part of the 2024 IAAS sequence paints a fuller image of how Indian People stay, assume, and have interaction in society. It reveals that the group is rising extra assured in balancing each Indian and American identities. On the similar time, challenges reminiscent of caste divisions and discrimination stay vital points.

The IAAS was performed by Carnegie in partnership with YouGov and surveyed 1,206 Indian American adults, together with residents and non-citizens, throughout a variety of ages, religions, and backgrounds.

The report highlights how Indian People are shaping their identification in a altering U.S. society—holding on to custom whereas additionally adapting to new experiences.

Cowl photograph: Movina Nagarajan. File photograph.