New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. There is a well organized “Delhi Network” that has both men and women as members. Must have a non-Indian passport to join. Weekly coffee plus many activities and subgroups. - Apr 2024
Huge. Morale varies quite a bit. People who are able to overlook the chaos of constant gridlocked traffic and horrific air pollution enjoy the exoticism of living in Delhi. Others curtail due to quality of life issues. The workload is generally good and challenging and rewarding, but of course that doesn't always help spouses and family member. - Sep 2020
There are tons of expats. Diplomats, businessfolk, people who have married Indians and decided to stay here. You’ll meet expats who have just arrived and others who have been here years and years. You may have to search a bit until you find “your” expats that you’re most comfortable with to meet your social needs, but if you search, you will find them! Morale is pretty good overall. Even among the people who say they don’t like Delhi that much, most are still able to appreciate the positive aspects of the Delhi expat experience and make the most of it. And if you meet people who are too negative for you, dump them, and find others who are more on your wavelength! - Jul 2020
There is a large community, the US Embassy has been described as a "Mega-Mission". Other countries are well represented as well. - Jul 2019
The expatriate community is community is large. I am not a part of it. - Oct 2017
Large number of expats. Most love Delhi and India and many stay for a long time. The air pollution is the biggest concern among the expats. - Mar 2017
Big tight-knit group. We loved it. Lots of other expats outside the mission. - Feb 2017
Pretty big, though dwindling, due to the air quality I believe. Given the current conditions, overall morale is pretty poor, but people who come to India are not looking for the easy life. And there are lots of things to love here. It's just there's so many difficult distractions. - Nov 2016
Big. Moral is okay, but air pollution is the main drag for most people. It really depends on your expectations and attitudes. If you focus on the bureaucracy, filth, pollution, and constant sickness, it could get you down. Focus on the good things, like the amazing travel opportunities in India, wonderful food, affordable domestic help, and colorful culture, and it is much better. Many people recommend getting out of Delhi once a quarter for a break and leaving the country one or two times each year for a mind reset. - Jun 2016
Big community. Morale is okay but varies depending on who you ask. Some people face harassment from the local authorities from time to time, with varying and unpredictable regulations, restrictions, and fines. This tends to bring morale down. - Sep 2014
Big community and lots of great options. I think this is a good spot to come to for a new U.S. diplomatic officer. - Sep 2014
Big. - Aug 2013
Huge. In addition to embassies, the NGO community is sprawling. - May 2013
LARGE - Oct 2012
Large. - Sep 2012
VERY large - Aug 2011
extremely large - Aug 2011
Pretty big. - Aug 2011
Most westerners are diplomats, but the community is growing in the IT sector. - Jan 2011
1000s. - Sep 2010
I think it is large, but I only have contact with a very few of them (outside the office I mean). There are diplomats and people working for NGOs, too. - Aug 2010
Huge and diverse. You can be a part of a very active expat scene or strike out on your own to explore the city and country. - Aug 2010
Very large. You will never be able to meet everyone here. - Aug 2010
Very large. You will never meet everyone here. - Mar 2008
It depends on where you are. Where we are, I'd say about 10 expats per apartment complex. In Delhi, I've seen quite a few. Usually we either see no expats, or lots of them. - Feb 2008
