Brain drain: The complex tale of India's talent exodus

India invests heavily in subsidised higher education, only to see a substantial portion of this investment benefit foreign economies

- AMIT MITRA SOURYABRATA MOHATRA

India, renowned for its vast pool of talented professionals, has witnessed a significant exodus of skilled workers over the decades. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "brain drain," involves highly educated and skilled individuals leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. While this movement has brought substantial remittances and international recognition, it has also resulted in critical human capital losses for India. This column explores the intricate dynamics of India's brain drain, presenting a balanced view of its costs and benefits. How can India balance these losses with the potential gains?

India's diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 17 million Indians living overseas. In the healthcare sector alone, more than 1 million doctors and 2 million nurses have migrated to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The IT industry, a cornerstone of India's economic growth, has also seen over 2 million professionals migrate since the early 2000s. Annually, approximately 200,000 Indian students pursue higher education abroad, with 85% choosing not to return home. What drives these talented individuals to seek opportunities abroad?

The Ministry of External Affairs reports that over 1.3 million Indian students studied abroad in 2022, and the numbers are expected to increase. With a rising unemployment rate of 7.33% in 2022 (per CMIE) and skill disparities, many young graduates look abroad for better opportunities. A RedSeer report estimates that 1.8 million Indians will spend $85 billion on overseas education by 2024.