Increasing numbers of Indian citizens are seeking asylum overseas.

The arrival of irregular Indian migrants in the US has traditionally been low but recently the numbers have spiked.

Since the beginning of the 2022 US fiscal year, which began last October, a record 16,290 Indian citizens have been taken into US custody at the Mexican border. The previous high of 8,997 was recorded in 2018.

Observers point to a number of reasons for the increase, including a climate of rising discrimination in India, an end to pandemic-era restrictions, a perception that the Biden administration was welcoming to asylum seekers and the ramping-up of smuggling networks.

While some irregular migrants are arriving at the US border for economic reasons, many are fleeing persecution back home.

Victims of persecution include Muslims, Christians, ‘low-caste’ Hindus and members of India’s LGBTI community who fear violence at the hands of extreme Hindu nationalists.

The migrants also include supporters of secessionist movements and farmers from the Punjab region, which has been shaken by protests since 2020.

Conditions for many of these groups have deteriorated in recent years following the tough and nationalistic policies introduced by the Modi government.

A 2022 report by Washington-based Migration Policy Institute attributed the rise in unauthorised arrivals of Indians primarily “to growing religious and political persecution in India against non-Hindus” and “the lack of domestic economic opportunities”.

Traditionally, Indian migrants who arrive at the US-Mexican border use “door-to-door” smuggling services, with journeys arranged from India to South America. They are often guided the entire way and travel in small groups with their fellow countrymen who speak the same language, rather than individually or with only family members.

These networks often begin with India-based “travel agents” which outsource parts of the journey to partner criminal groups in Latin America.

The number of undocumented Indians crossing over from Canada to the US on foot has also reached an all-time high. The spike has placed Canada’s visa screening process under scrutiny due to concerns that  Canada-bound Indian passengers are seeking asylum in the UK while in transit.

According to the latest US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, an all-time high of 5,152 undocumented Indians entered the US from Canada on foot in June alone.

The monthly number of Indians entering the US from Canada has surpassed those crossing over from the notorious Mexico route since December 2023.

Indians are also seeking asylum in the UK in increasing numbers, but few are successfully gaining protection or residency.

UK data shows that Indians stand the least chance (6-9 per cent) of getting relief among the top 15 asylum seekers by nationality – behind China (18-24 per cent), Pakistan (53-55 per cent) and Iran (77-86 per cent).

During 2019-2023, less than 300 Indians were granted asylum or “leave to remain”, which refers to those who do not qualify for refugee status but are permitted to stay for various reasons in the UK.