The Indian government is formulating a new initiative aimed at enticing distinguished Indian-origin faculty and researchers residing abroad to return and contribute to Indian academic institutions. This effort is gaining traction in light of the Trump administration”s policies that critics argue undermine university autonomy and academic freedom in the United States.
Meetings have been convened by the Principal Scientific Adviser”s office with various governmental departments, including the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), to outline the framework of this initiative, as reported by The Indian Express. The proposed scheme is focused on attracting established Indian-origin scientists and researchers who have made significant academic contributions and are eager to spend a specified duration in India for research activities.
Officials indicate that the primary goal is to bolster the country”s research and development landscape by offering these scholars positions at leading institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), premier research laboratories, and autonomous organizations under the DST and DBT. To ensure researchers have the necessary financial independence and operational flexibility, a considerable “set-up grant” may be provided, allowing them to establish their laboratories and research teams in India.
The IITs have expressed their support for this initiative, with several directors engaging in discussions regarding its implementation. The plan will initially target 12 to 14 priority areas within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that are deemed strategically significant for national development.
Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, an academic from the MIT Sloan School of Management and former Mission Director for the Atal Innovation Mission, emphasized the importance of creating seamless experiences for returning scholars. He noted that logistical aspects such as housing and daily necessities should be handled with exceptional care to avoid minor annoyances. He believes that while India may not be able to match international salaries, emotional connections and positive signaling could attract talent.
Dr. Vaishnav advocated for a management style that allows scholars to focus on their work without excessive oversight, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding intellectual property rights from the outset. He suggested that institutions should implement short orientation programs to ensure consistent experiences for scholars, regardless of which IIT they join.
The discussions come at a time when numerous countries are intensifying efforts to lure global academic talent, particularly in response to the Trump administration”s actions that challenge university autonomy. One notable initiative, the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, ties federal funding to compliance with specific ideological and structural conditions.
In contrast, European nations are announcing programs to enhance academic freedom and research funding. For instance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making academic freedom a legal standard in Europe. Meanwhile, countries like China and Taiwan have implemented well-funded initiatives to attract overseas scientists and enhance their higher education systems.
India”s proposed scheme aims to position its research institutions competitively in this global race, addressing longstanding concerns about the exodus of scientific talent and strengthening the country”s innovation ecosystem. While India currently has initiatives like the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Programme, which facilitates short-term collaborations between overseas scientists and Indian institutions, the new plan seeks to offer full-time or longer-term positions.
Despite existing programs, participation has been limited. Since its inception in 2017-2018, the VAJRA initiative has facilitated collaborations involving nearly 100 overseas scientists, resulting in approximately 60 completed projects. Experts highlight that India faces systemic challenges in attracting top international faculty, including non-competitive salaries and bureaucratic hurdles that complicate hiring processes.
Officials are optimistic that the proposed scheme will address the shortcomings of previous efforts to attract overseas Indian researchers, focusing on streamlining procedures, clarifying funding, and enhancing institutional support. Once finalized, the proposal will be submitted to the Union Cabinet for approval.
