India remained the world’s largest recipient of remittances in 2024 with inflows reaching $138 billion, according to the World Migration Report 2026 released by the International Organization for Migration.
The report said India was the only country to cross the $100-billion remittance mark, highlighting the economic contribution of its global diaspora estimated at around 19 million people.
According to the report, remittance inflows into India increased sharply over the last decade, rising from nearly $53 billion in 2010 to more than $137 billion in 2024. The growth was driven by earnings of Indian workers and professionals in countries such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Global remittance rankings
According to the report, Mexico was the second-largest remittance recipient in 2024 with inflows of $68 billion. China recorded inward remittances of $48 billion in 2022.
The report also highlighted changing migration trends involving Indian workers and students. While Gulf countries continue to employ large numbers of Indians in construction, domestic work and services, the report noted a rise in high-skilled migration from India.
Indian professionals are increasingly moving abroad for jobs in sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering and research, according to the report.
India also remains one of the largest source countries globally for student migration and skilled migration, the report added.
