Education and Migration: A Study of the Indian Diaspora

Abstract

The Indian diaspora consists of low- and semi-skilled migrants mainly to the Middle-East; migration of the highly-skilled to developed countries; and cross-border students who seek employment and remain in their host countries. India initially viewed the migration of the best educated from its prestigious institutions as ‘brain drain’. However, with the reverse flow of these professionals the diaspora came to be seen as ‘brain gain’. The highly-skilled Indian diaspora assumed positions of responsibility in the corporate world, in academia (including Nobel laureates), and in the political and social spheres in some host countries, thereby enhancing India’s image abroad.