India Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
India's net migration was -495,753 in 2025, ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 21.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
India's net migration stood at -495,753 in 2025, a rise of +135,077 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -632,939 by 2026. India ranked 2nd globally.
India's net migration has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with a notable peak of 774,094.00 in 1979 and a trough of -1,353,478.00 in 2022. The country's latest net migration figure stands at -495,753.00, ranking it second globally. For comparison, neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced even more pronounced outflows, with Pakistan recording -1,235,336.00 and Bangladesh registering -402,100.00 in 2025. This trend suggests that India has been a destination for immigrants in the past, but has since shifted towards a net emigration. The country's large youth population and economic growth may continue to drive migration patterns, potentially leading to an increase in outflows if job opportunities within India do not keep pace with the influx of skilled workers.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -547,144 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -590,042 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -632,939 | - | - |
| 2025 | -495,753 | +135,077 | #2 |
| 2024 | -630,830 | +348,349 | #2 |
| 2023 | -979,179 | +374,299 | #3 |
| 2022 | -1.4M | −1.0M | #2 |
| 2021 | -348,916 | −275,110 | #5 |
| 2020 | -73,806 | +905,163 | #13 |
| 2019 | -978,969 | −389,175 | #3 |
| 2018 | -589,794 | −338,152 | #4 |
| 2017 | -251,642 | −332,890 | #9 |
| 2016 | 81,248 | +736,333 | #186 |
| 2015 | -655,085 | −427,822 | #4 |
| 2014 | -227,263 | −75,891 | #8 |
| 2013 | -151,372 | +47,563 | #13 |
| 2012 | -198,935 | +48,082 | #7 |
| 2011 | -247,017 | −196,112 | #9 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's net migration was -495,753 in 2025. Ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 21.4% increase from the previous year.
India's net migration peaked at 774,094 in 1979.
The lowest net migration in India was -1.4M in 2022.
India ranks 2nd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's net migration is projected to reach -632,939 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of India in 2025 was -495,753. This ranks 2nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_net-migration,
title = {India Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}