Dr P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced on Saturday that the Indian government is actively encouraging Indian professionals working abroad to return to the country. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) convocation ceremony, Mishra highlighted the role of the Capacity Building Commission in this initiative. The commission, established in April 2021, aims to enhance the civil services ecosystem and foster human resource development to support India’s growth.

The statement comes in response to the U.S. government’s recent decision to increase H-1B visa fees to $100,000 annually, a move signed into effect by President Donald Trump on Friday through a proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-Immigrant Workers.” This significant fee hike is expected to impact Indian tech professionals, who heavily rely on H-1B visas, valid for three years and renewable for another three, to work in the U.S. tech industry. The policy shift has prompted India to strengthen efforts to bring skilled professionals back home.

In his address to IIM Mumbai students, Mishra emphasised that individual attitude, teamwork, and human resource development are critical for shaping future achievements and driving India toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He noted that while India has emerged as a global innovation hub with over 100 unicorns and 1.9 lakh startups, innovation gaps persist. To address these, the government has introduced initiatives, including funding to bolster research and development, aiming to close the gap with developed nations.

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Mishra’s remarks were echoed by Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman of IIM Mumbai’s Board of Governors, who advocated for stronger policies on special economic zones to boost manufacturing and job creation. Shetty also stressed the importance of Indian companies investing in ship owning and building to enhance national security and reduce reliance on foreign carriers, which handle over 90% of India’s foreign trade. These combined efforts reflect India’s strategy to leverage its global talent pool and strengthen domestic industries.

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