“If we come back, they’ll take everything”: IIT-Bombay graduate says India’s NRI return push overlooks systemic neglect

Some Indian professionals abroad hesitate to return, citing trust and systemic apathy

While India actively encourages its overseas talent to return and contribute to nation-building, some professionals say their reluctance stems not from lack of ambition, but from a lack of trust in the system. The bigger obstacle, they argue, is not opportunity, but indifference.

Dr. Rajeshwari Iyer, an IIT Bombay alumna and professor, expressed her concerns in a post on X after the government renewed its appeal to Indian professionals overseas. “This is a trap by the government. Once we come back, they’ll take everything in the name of social welfare and offer nothing in return,” she wrote.

Her remarks reflect a broader sense of frustration. She added, “You might risk your life on pothole-filled roads and have to bribe officials just to get your work done on time.”

The comments followed a statement by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, who highlighted that the government is promoting the return of Indians working abroad as part of the Capacity Building Commission’s initiatives. The message also comes amid a rise in U.S. H-1B visa fees, which could impact many Indian professionals.

India continues to present itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With over 157,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, the country ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem after the U.S. and China. Officials point to better digital infrastructure, supportive regulations, and access to funding as key incentives.

Yet for professionals like Dr. Iyer, the allure of a thriving startup scene is overshadowed by the realities of slow public services and bureaucratic hurdles.

Her post captures a sentiment common among the diaspora: that returning home is not merely a career choice, but a personal decision heavily influenced by expectations of fairness, safety, and effective governance.