Archive · 29 Sep 2026
VAIBHAV Initiative Turns Indian Brain Drain Into Brain Gain
Many talented Indian scientists live and work in other countries.
This is sometimes called brain drain because their knowledge is being used away from India.
The VAIBHAV programme gives them a way to work with Indian universities and research centres.
They can usually do this for a short time without moving back to India.
Some projects may last from a few months to several years.
The programme began in 2023.
Indian leaders say this can turn brain drain into brain gain.
Scientists living abroad have supported the idea, but its full results are still developing.
India’s VAIBHAV fellowship connects overseas Indian STEM experts with domestic academic and research institutions.
Launched by the Department of Science and Technology in 2023, the programme supports collaborations lasting about two to three months, with some extending to two to three years.
Participants can contribute without relocating to India, creating what supporters describe as brain gain and brain exchange.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood have urged overseas Indian scientists to support India’s development.
Fellows from the United States, Canada, Sweden and Australia have welcomed the initiative, although its long-term results have yet to emerge.
- Who
- The Department of Science and Technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian scientists abroad and Indian research institutions are involved.
- What
- The VAIBHAV fellowship creates short-term and longer-term collaborations between overseas Indian STEM experts and Indian academic and research institutions.
- When
- The programme was launched in 2023; collaborations may last about two to three months and, in some cases, up to two to three years.
- Where
- The initiative links Indian institutions with researchers based in countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden and Australia.
- Why
- It aims to use the expertise of the Indian diaspora to support India’s scientific research, technology and development without requiring participants to relocate.
- Programme
- VAIBHAV, or the Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik fellowship programme
- Launch
- 2023
- Lead agency
- India’s Department of Science and Technology
- Participants
- Indian researchers and scientists living abroad in STEM fields
- Collaboration period
- About two to three months, with some arrangements extending to two to three years
- Relocation requirement
- Participants do not need to move back to India
- Countries mentioned
- United States, Canada, Sweden and Australia