Argentina Sikhs in Argentina, numbering around 300, primarily settled in the early 20th century, migrating away from anti-Asian immigration policies in North America. While travelling on British Colonial passports, they initially arrived to work on railways and sugar mills, they faced significant racism, prompting restrictions on their immigration. In the 1930s, members of the
Ghadar Movement visited to support their struggle for Indian independence. By the late 20th century, notable figures emerged, such as Simmarpal Singh, a prominent businessman. The community now owns various businesses and has established one Gurdwara in
Rosario. In 2018, the Sikh faith was officially recognized in Argentina.
Bolivia In the 1980s, a group of Sikhs migrated to Bolivia, particularly to the
Santa Cruz de la Sierra area, seeking better opportunities in agriculture. Initially successful due to their strong work ethic, irrigation skills, and access to credit, they cultivated crops like sugarcane. However, when crop yields declined and internal disputes arose, many faced financial difficulties, leading to defaults on loans, some even being jailed, and others returning to Punjab. Over time, the community dwindled, with only a few Sikhs remaining, struggling to make a living through small businesses or farming. By the early 2000s, their numbers and financial stability had declined so much that they could no longer maintain a Gurdwara, though they still occasionally gather when visitors arrive.
Brazil and
Ghadar Party member,
Sardar Ajit Singh in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He had previously kept a turban and beard but removed both to disguise himself (Circa 1910) Sikhs in Brazil, numbering around 300, began arriving in the early 20th century, primarily settling in the southern state of Paraná while often en route to Argentina. Also during this period, members of the
Ghadar Movement also located to Brazil for a short period including
Sardar Ajit Singh. In 2018 delegation that visited the
Golden Temple in
Amritsar to advocate for gender equality within Sikh practices. Most Brazilian Sikhs belong to the
3HO community or are descendants of Punjabi migrants, many of whom have married outside their culture due to the small Sikh population. The community has established several gurdwaras, with the Shri Arjun Dev Sahib Gurdwara in
Curitiba being the largest and most prominent.
Chile Sikhs in Chile, estimated to number fewer than 500, form a small religious minority. Their arrival began in the early 1900s as they sought work on railway projects connecting to Bolivia, often moving on to Argentina due to anti-Asian immigration policies in North America. In the late 20th century,
Yogi Bhajan introduced Sikhism more widely through Kundalini yoga, gaining popularity in the 1960s.
Colombia There is a small Sikh presence in Colombia, mainly from converts. Most of the followers are part of the
3HO community.
Ecuador In the mid-1980s, there were reports of interactions between some members of the
Ecuadorian government and Sikh separatists advocating for
Khalistan, a proposed Sikh homeland.
Carlos Arosemena, the former
President of Ecuador and leader of the Partido Nacionalista Revolucionario with Sikh separatist leader
Jagjit Singh Chohan in London in August 1985. During this meeting, Arosemena reportedly suggested that Ecuador could serve as a suitable location for a Sikh nation. Atma Singh Khalsa, a Sikh convert and believed to be the first Sikh resident in Ecuador, was part of Arosemena's entourage during this period. Additional delegates, including Dr. Cristobal Montero and Patricio Buendia, also expressed support for the Sikh cause. However, the Ecuadorian government later distanced itself from these statements, clarifying that it had no official contact with or recognition of any Sikh separatist movements. The
Minister of External Affairs commented on the situation, noting reports that Chohan had received an invitation to visit Ecuador. In December 1985, Chohan claimed that a significant number of Sikhs had migrated to Ecuador within a few months.
Peru It is estimated that there are fewer than 10 Sikhs in Peru, with Partap Singh being the only head of a Gursikh family in the country. Originally moving to Peru as a tourism specialist, he married a local woman settled in Peru . Singh was honoured as the flag bearer during Peru's Independence Day celebrations. Notably, there is no Sikh Gurdwara in Peru. == Presence by dependencies and other territories ==