The Geopolitics of Indian Talent
Published September 2, 2024
Executive Note
Satya S. Sahu
The development and deployment of high-tech talent have become inextricably linked with the development of national power in an increasingly complex and competitive geopolitical landscape. With its unique demographic potential, India is well-positioned to strategically leverage its human capital at home and abroad, which could be vital to achieving its geopolitical and geoeconomic goals in the 21st century.
The Takshashila Institution organised its Internal Conference on July 24, 2024, to understand how the race for high-tech talent affects and is, in turn, affected by considerations of diaspora and geopolitics. Takshashila's in-house scholars, Satya Sahu, Vanshika Saraf, Adya Madhavan, Rijesh Panicker, and Arindam Goswami, presented working papers covering diverse topics related to the theme.
Anushka Saxena chaired the conference. This document is a compendium of four working papers presented at the conference.
The first paper, by Adya Madhavan, employs case studies of the influential Indian diaspora in the US and Gulf states to explore their role in shaping bilateral relations by advocating for India's interests. The diaspora has facilitated a select few policy changes and positively influenced perceptions of India. However, translating this into tangible foreign policy outcomes has proven to be challenging.
In the second paper, Satya Sahu and Vanshika Saraf attempt to develop a framework for India to engage its high-skill diaspora to accelerate the development of high-technology sectors. To do so, they identify the unique characteristics of this 'high-value diaspora talent' (HVDTs), map out the key objectives of such engagement, and suggest different modes of engagement based on these objectives.
The third paper, by Rijesh Panicker, examines how India can position itself in the intensifying global competition to attract the best and brightest talent worldwide. Key recommendations include focusing on STEM research, targeting China as a development partner, and creating "talent SEZs" in tier-2 cities.
Finally, the fourth paper, by Arindam Goswami, recommends strategies for aligning India's domestic skill development goals with the demands of shifting geopolitical trends. Key suggestions include establishing AI and quantum computing centres of excellence, fostering defence-academia collaboration, and creating a universal skill development program.
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