Introduction / History
South Asians living in Sweden have increased a lot since 1900. The increase was gradual until the 1970s when South Asians came from Uganda. Many refugees and asylum seekers have come since, especially from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Most immigration to Sweden is due to family reunion. Since 1970 South Asian adoption of children especially from India and Sri Lanka has been of significance.

It is said that the smallish number of South Asians in Sweden has caused a diaspora situation. As there are too few Hindus it is difficult to tell them from each other regards caste and religion but also from Hindus who are not "Indian". The most significant organization in Sweden is the Swedish-Indian Association that brings together not only Indians of all religions (this may be an opportunity for the gospel), but Swedes who have a liking for Indian matters. Hindus in Sweden have social organizations that are not just focused on religions and castes. Muslim "Indians" take part in the Association regardless of their religion and to identify themselves as Indian.

Most Indians in Sweden are Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis and South Indians. Some Indian students who came to Sweden in the 1950s remained there. Some Indians after 1984 gained political asylum.

In the first ten years of this century, more South Asians came for advanced studies in Sweden. Some have stayed in Sweden after completing their education and have gone into very skilled work at universities, research work, work with medical companies and in telecommunications.

The Indian community is active and different associations regard national days and take part in cultural events too.