India Plans Scheme to Bring Back Researchers Amid H-1B Row

• India launches initiative to bring back Indian-origin researchers affected by US policies.
• Program targets 12–14 STEM fields, offering grants and research infrastructure support.
• Goal is to strengthen India’s research ecosystem and retain top scientific talent.

In response to US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the Indian government is developing a new initiative aimed at attracting Indian-origin "star faculty" and researchers who are currently overseas.

This initiative will not only return leading scholars to India but will also provide them with roles in prestigious research institutions, fostering sustained collaboration to enhance the nation’s science and technology environment.

This arises in the context of increasing worries regarding the Trump administration’s approaches to higher education and the significant dispute over H-1B visa fees in the U.S. Conversely, the current US government shutdown has resulted in widespread furloughs, leading to thousands of federal employees being laid off. The US Department of Education has been the most affected, with its workforce cut by over fifty percent due to directives from the Trump administration.

The plan will first focus on 12–14 key areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as per the sources. The program could also offer "initial grants" to researchers, assisting them in creating laboratories and research groups in India. According to The Indian Express, IITs are apparently involved, with various directors engaging in talks with the government.

The government is said to be developing a plan to tackle the problems, such as "procedural delays, funding uncertainties, and limited institutional support." Negotiations are also taking place concerning intellectual property rights, research independence, and tenure frameworks to enhance the scheme's appeal and competitiveness.

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Currently, nations such as Europe, China, and Taiwan are actively engaging in large-scale recruitment of international researchers via well-financed programs and newly established research centers.

India seeks to enhance its institutions in this worldwide competition and aspires to decrease the departure of scientific talent. India currently operates programs such as the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty Programme, enabling brief collaborations with international researchers, but these have seen limited involvement.