India is a land of diversity — not just in culture and languages, but also in taste and trends. While the nation proudly supports Make in India, there are many foreign-origin things that have become household names and are loved across the country. From food to fashion, gadgets to entertainment — here are some popular things that aren’t Indian, but have found massive fame here.
1. iPhone (Apple – USA)
Despite being a premium product, Apple’s iPhone has a massive fanbase in India. With every new launch, long queues form outside stores. Its sleek design and brand appeal make it a status symbol for many.
2. Burgers & Pizzas (USA & Italy)
Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut are everywhere in India. They’ve even Indianized their menus — think McAloo Tikki and Paneer Zinger — but the core idea remains international.
3. Jeans (USA)
Denim jeans, originally created for American miners, are now a wardrobe essential in India. From students to seniors, everyone wears them, proving how deeply they’ve integrated into Indian fashion.
4. K-Pop & K-Dramas (South Korea)
From BTS to BLACKPINK, K-pop has a huge fan following in India, especially among teens. Korean dramas like Crash Landing on You and Goblin are watched with subtitles and loved across cities.
5. Coffee Culture (Western Influence)
While India is a tea-loving nation, cafes like Starbucks, CCD, and Barista have introduced and popularized a whole new coffee culture, especially among urban youth.
6. Hollywood Movies & Superheroes (USA)
Marvel and DC superheroes like Iron Man, Batman, and Spider-Man are as popular in India as Bollywood stars. Hollywood blockbusters often release in multiple Indian languages and break box office records here.
7. International Beauty Brands (France, Korea, USA)
Brands like L’Oréal, Maybelline, The Face Shop, and Sephora have captured Indian markets with their skincare and makeup products, especially among young consumers.
8. Video Games (Japan, USA)
From PlayStation (Japan) to PUBG (South Korea/China), international games have a huge fanbase in India. Mobile gaming has skyrocketed with games like Free Fire, Call of Duty, and Clash of Clans.
9. English Language & Western Education Systems (UK/USA)
English is not just an official language in India but also a huge factor in education and career success. Many Indian parents dream of sending their kids to study in Harvard, Oxford, or Stanford.
10. Foreign Cars (Germany, Japan, South Korea)
Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia dominate Indian roads. While Tata and Mahindra hold strong, many Indians still dream of owning a luxury foreign car.
India may be deeply rooted in its traditions, but it’s also remarkably open to global ideas and trends. These international products and cultures are not just surviving here — they’re thriving. It’s a beautiful blend of global meets local, showing how India embraces the world while keeping its identity intact.