5 countries with surprising Indian connections

Indian influence goes way beyond the Bollywood dance numbers and spicy curries. You can trace it from royal bloodlines to age-old trade routes, where you will find how the Indian footprint has sneaked its way into some unexpected corners of the globe. If you are curious by now, here we take you on a journey through five countries that share surprisingly deep ties with India.

You might be surprised to know that India and Mexico are closer than you think. Both countries share a love for vibrant spices, hearty street food, and... Sanskrit? Yes! Add to that a growing Indian expat community in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, and you’ve got yourself a spicy cross-cultural mashup.

As per the Japanese version, called Hobutsushu, which is a 12th-century anthology compiled by the monk Taira no Yasuyori (1179 CE), include stories derived from Indian and Chinese sources, including adapted tales of Rama. Then there is Buddhism, which travelled from India via China and Korea, also shaped Japan’s art, temples, and more.

Greece and India go way back—like Alexander the Great meets Chandragupta Maurya back. When Alexander invaded India, it was one of the earliest significant foreign invasions, which later on, led to a fusion of Greek and Indian art and culture. Indo-Greek coins, Gandhara-style Buddha statues with curly hair and togas are some of the most striking legacies of the cultural blend.

Fiji might be famous for its postcard-perfect beaches and vibrant coral reefs, but don’t be surprised to find a strong Indian presence here. During British colonial rule, thousands of Indians were brought to Fiji as indentured labourers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, people of Indian descent make up a significant part of the population. They speak Fiji Hindi, celebrate Diwali as a national holiday, and it’s not uncommon to find a spicy curry joint right next to a laid-back surf shack.

India and Ethiopia might seem worlds apart, but they’ve shared a diplomatic and cultural connection for centuries. In fact, some of the earliest Indian traders sailed across the Arabian Sea to Ethiopia’s Red Sea ports. Fast forward to the 20th century, and you’ll find thousands of Indians work in Ethiopian infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
So, the next time you see a sari in Suva or hear Sanskrit echoes in Mexico, don’t be surprised. India’s global connections go far beyond the obvious—they’re stitched into history, culture, and even a few family trees.