Re-engaging India's Global Talent
Recent government initiatives aim to re-engage Indian talent abroad through programs like Global Access to Talent from India (GATI), eMigrate V2.0, Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Scheme, and the Know India Programme. These efforts are in response to global visa uncertainties and a desire to leverage Indian talent for national reinvestment.
Impact of U.S. H-1B Visa Policies
- In 2025, the U.S. imposed a $1,00,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions, unsettling Indian engineers there.
- 71% of H1-B approvals in FY2024 were for Indian nationals, indicating India's significant role in the program.
- The educational profile has shifted, with 57% holding a master’s degree as of 2021, up from 31% in 2000.
Challenges in Indian Metropolises
- Maharashtra: Largest startup cluster but lacks family support systems like housing subsidies.
- Delhi: Attracts returnees for its institutional centrality but high housing costs favor those with established networks.
- Karnataka: Ambitious plans like the Skill Development Policy are hindered by inadequate global infrastructure.
Strategic Insights
- States prioritize institutional support over family relocation policies.
- Mobility is influenced more by networks and family considerations than wages alone.
Challenges and Opportunities
- India's R&D investment is only 0.64% of GDP, much lower than in the U.S., China, and Israel.
- Encouraging private R&D investment and diversifying into sectors like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing is crucial.
- The H-1B policy disruption could foster innovation if infrastructure for returning talent is strengthened.
Experts like Deepanshu Mohan from O.P. Jindal Global University emphasize that without improvement in research and social infrastructure, India risks losing its highly qualified workforce to other countries.
