Startup Originals Team
Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced that the Government of India is actively encouraging Indians working abroad to come back to the country. This push is happening under the government’s Capacity Building Commission, and follows recent global changes, especially in visa policies, that are affecting Indian professionals overseas.
What Was Said & What It Means:
- Speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIM Mumbai, Dr. Mishra said that in recent times, the government has been urging Indians abroad to return and contribute to India’s development.
- This initiative is part of the Capacity Building Commission, a government body focused on enhancing human resources and capability across sectors.
- His comments come in the context of the United States increasing its H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000 annually, which has put pressure on Indian tech workers abroad. This change has triggered conversations about whether many professionals might prefer returning.
India’s Innovation Ecosystem & Skill Gaps:
- Dr. Mishra acknowledged that while India has emerged as a major innovation hub, with over 100 unicorns and 1.9 lakh startups, there still exists a gap in innovation and research.
- He emphasized that technical skills, though essential, are not enough. What matters as much are attitude, teamwork, transparency, humility, ethics, and continual learning. These, he said, will shape future achievements.
- The government has earmarked funds and initiated reforms to strengthen these softer but crucial aspects of human resource development.
What This Could Imply:
- For many Indian professionals abroad, rising costs or stricter visa regimes may tip the scale in favour of returning home, especially if India can offer compelling opportunities.
- If the government is successful, this could mean an influx of talent returning, which could help boost R&D, startups, academic work, and industrial innovation in India.
- It also underlines how policy changes abroad (like in the U.S.) are influencing India’s domestic strategy for talent retention and nation-building.
Conclusion:
The Centre’s call for Indians working abroad to return, through the Capacity Building Commission, is more than diplomatic rhetoric. It’s a strategic response to global shifts in immigration and a recognition of India’s need to harness its human capital for growth. Following the IIM Mumbai gathering, Dr. Mishra’s emphasis on attitude, capability, and collaboration sends a message: India wants its talent back, and is laying the groundwork so that returning is not just possible, but also meaningful.
