India diaspora in Western Europe: adapting and negotiating identity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Indian Diaspora is one of the largest Diasporas, spread over continents. The nature and composition of the Indian Diaspora in Europe are quite diverse in terms of its number, history, and contemporary dynamics, yet in a few aspects, there is a striking similarity. Besides the settled Diaspora, the countries in Western Europe have substantial numbers of migrants and some illegal migrants from India as well. The present article explores the patterns of adjustment and identity construction among the Indian Diaspora, particularly the second-generation, and how it is negotiating its connections with the host and home country. The article gives a brief historical description of the journey of the Indian Diaspora and settlement in a select few countries in Western Europe. Subsequently, it discusses the issues of identity, adjustment and sense of belonging, and finally, it focuses on the second-generation of the Diaspora and the process of negotiation of identity and adjustments.