Archive · 14 Sep 2025
India's Brain Drain: Scientists' Low Return vs. China's Success
Imagine smart people who study and work in science.
Many from China and Russia go back home to help their countries.
But, not many scientists from India do the same.
Some people are wondering why.
China offers great jobs and opportunities to encourage people to return.
In contrast, India's return programs bring back only a few scientists.
This is an important problem for India, as these scientists could help make new inventions and improve their country.
Commentator Shankar Sharma questioned the low rate of Indian scientists returning home.
China has seen a significant return of scientists since 2018.
India's programs have brought back a small number of scientists.
Low salaries and limited research funding are barriers to scientists returning to India.
Russia also faces low return rates for its scientists.
- Who
- Indian, Chinese, and Russian scientists
- What
- Why Indian scientists don't return to India at the same rate as Chinese scientists.
- When
- Recent years, specifically since 2018 for Chinese scientists.
- Where
- Primarily the US, China, and India.
- Why
- To build technological advancements and boost national capabilities.
- China's Return Rate
- Nearly 20,000 scientists of Chinese descent returned from the US since 2018
- Indian Scientists Return
- 649 scientists returned to India between 2012-2017
- Indian Diaspora's Attitude
- Criticized for not returning by commentator Shankar Sharma
- Return Programs
- Ramanujan Fellowship, Ramalingaswami Fellowship, Vaibhav initiative
- Russia Return Rate
- Low, despite the perception, with limited incentives for returnees
