Subject
The state of R&D in India.
Significance
Last month’s Economic Survey, which the finance ministry presents to parliament as a prelude to the budget, highlighted the poor state of research and development (R&D) in India. However, the country is becoming a preferred destination for R&D conducted by foreign companies and an estimated 1 million Indian-trained scientists and technologists work in laboratories abroad.
Impacts
Delhi will continue to court foreign direct investment (FDI) in R&D.
India may benefit from a reverse ‘brain drain’ if its skilled professionals struggle to secure US H-1B visas.
The Modi government will face more accusations of interference in universities and come under pressure to desist.
Reports suggest that the US administration is poised to restrict technology transfer to China; R&D in the whole of Asia would be affected.