Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV): Connecting Indian Scientific Diaspora with India’s Innovation Mission

The Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) initiative is a landmark program launched by the Government of India to strengthen the connection between Indian-origin scientists living abroad and the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem. It represents a shift from the traditional concept of brain drain to a model of global knowledge exchange, enabling scientists abroad to contribute to India’s growth without leaving their host countries.

What is VAIBHAV?

The VAIBHAV (Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik) program aims to connect the Indian scientific diaspora with academic and research institutions in India. It provides a structured platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation between India and its global community of scientists, technologists, and innovators.

The initiative focuses on fostering partnerships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

Objectives of the VAIBHAV Initiative

1. Promote Knowledge Exchange:
   Encourage collaboration between Indian and global scientists to address key national challenges.

2. Reverse Brain Drain:
   Convert the historical outflow of talent into a reverse brain gain, leveraging expertise from abroad for domestic innovation.

3. Strengthen Research Ecosystem:
   Connect Indian institutions with leading global research networks.

4. Foster Innovation and Startups:
   Support India’s startup ecosystem through mentorship, joint research, and technology transfer.

5. Global Scientific Diplomacy:
   Position India as a global leader in science and technology cooperation.

Background and Launch

The VAIBHAV Summit was first organized in October 2020 by the Ministry of Science & Technology, in collaboration with other ministries and government departments.
The initiative was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the need for a global knowledge-sharing network of Indian origin scientists.

The summit brought together over 3,000 scientists and researchers from 70+ countries to discuss areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, nanotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy.

VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

The VAIBHAV Fellowship, launched in 2023, is a key component of this initiative. It allows Indian-origin researchers residing abroad to work with leading Indian institutions for up to three months a year.

Key Features:

• Fellowship duration: 1–3 months annually

• Open to: Non-resident Indian (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scientists

• Funded by: Department of Science & Technology (DST)

• Host Institutions: IITs, IISERs, national labs, and research universities

• Focus: Joint research, mentorship, and technology development

This fellowship helps bring global expertise into India’s labs, supporting cutting-edge projects and mentoring Indian researchers.

Significance of VAIBHAV

1. Bridging Global and Local Expertise

VAIBHAV enables Indian researchers to collaborate with the best scientific minds worldwide, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

2. Accelerating ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’

By utilizing the intellectual potential of the Indian diaspora, VAIBHAV contributes to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

3. Supporting Startups and R&D

It builds a bridge between scientific research and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and commercialization of innovation.

4. Soft Power and Diplomacy

The program enhances India’s global image as a hub for innovation and scientific cooperation, reflecting the power of science diplomacy.

Recent Developments (2025 Update)

At the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (November 2025), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh urged Indian diaspora scientists to contribute from abroad, leveraging digital tools and VAIBHAV collaborations.
He emphasized that science’s true strength lies in its ability to connect beyond borders and called upon the diaspora to act as ambassadors of India’s scientific renaissance.

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