Hindi’s Global Footprint: From Fiji To The Gulf

Hindi, one of India’s official languages, has grown into a global cultural force, carried across continents by migration, trade, and diaspora communities. While its roots lie in the Hindi belt of northern India, the language today enjoys recognition and widespread use in diverse regions, from the Pacific islands to the Middle East.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• Fiji recognizes Hindi as one of its official languages, reflecting the large Indo-Fijian community.  
• Mauritius has a strong Hindi-speaking population, with the language taught in schools and used in cultural programs.  
• Nepal, India’s neighbor, has the second-largest Hindi-speaking population after India, with Hindi widely understood and spoken.  
• Suriname and Guyana in South America host vibrant Hindi-speaking communities, descendants of indentured laborers brought during colonial times.  
• In the Gulf nations, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, Hindi thrives due to the large Indian expatriate workforce.  
• Hindi enjoys cultural prominence through Bollywood films, television, and music, which have helped sustain its popularity abroad.  
• Countries like South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago also have significant Hindi-speaking populations, tied to historical migration.  

The global spread of Hindi underscores its role as more than just a national language—it is a bridge connecting communities across continents. For India, this linguistic reach strengthens cultural diplomacy and soft power, while for diaspora communities, Hindi remains a vital link to heritage and identity.  

Sources: IndiaVision, India TV News, Times of India