Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan backed Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu’s appeal for Indians in the US to return home. Pradhan said, "I agree with you, @SVembu Ji," while supporting the need to build indigenous capabilities. He believes that using Indian talent at home will help shape our technological future.
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has responded to Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu's appeal to Indians working in the United States to return home and contribute to India's technological growth, emphasising the need to strengthen indigenous capabilities and foster innovation.
"I agree with you, @SVembu Ji," Pradhan wrote in a post on X, backing Vembu's message on the contributions of Indian professionals to the global technology sector.
"Indian talent has made significant contributions to the advancement of technology across the world. Every challenge presents an opportunity to build on this strength, deepen our capabilities and foster greater innovation at home," Pradhan said.
He added that confidence in Indian talent, coupled with a commitment to developing indigenous capabilities, could help the country shape the future of technology.
WHAT DID SRIDHAR VEMBU SAY?
Pradhan's response came after Vembu urged Indians living and working in the US on visas to consider returning to India, pointing to uncertainty surrounding their future in the country.
"Indians have made a major contribution to America's technological prowess. Yet, a big part of America no longer wants us," Vembu wrote on X.
"Let this be the birth pains of a bold new future. Come back, let's build India," he added.
US IMMIGRATION CURBS BRING INDIAN TECH TALENT INTO FOCUS
Vembu's appeal comes amid renewed uncertainty over the US employment-based permanent residency process following the suspension of several technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification, or PERM, programme.
The developments have raised concerns about the immigration prospects of foreign professionals, including Indians employed by affected companies.
The issue has also renewed discussion about brain drain, the role of the Indian diaspora in global technology and India's ability to attract experienced professionals back home.
Pradhan's response highlighted the opportunity to channel India's global talent and expertise into strengthening domestic technological capabilities.
While Vembu called on Indian professionals to return and help build the country's technology ecosystem, Pradhan underscored the importance of innovation, indigenous capabilities and confidence in Indian talent in shaping the country's technological future.