Page 168 - CW E-Magazine (19-8-2025)

Special Report

Trump, tariffs, visa restrictions, and the migration

of talent: A wake-up call for India

resident Donald Trump stunned GDP of $30,000, alongside improved
the world when he announced life expectancy, sustainable prosperity,
Psweeping reciprocal tariffs and technological advancement. The
against multiple nations – a move that future will be shaped by clean energy,
sent shockwaves across global markets. smart materials, vertical farming, nutri-
His simultaneous feuds with prestigious tionally complete foods, mental health
universities like Harvard and Columbia solutions, and deep integration of cyber-
were equally perplexing, and although physical systems driven by 6G, 7G, and
I refrain from commenting on their Industry 6.0. Artifi cial Intelligence (AI)
specifi cs, they point to a broader trend: will pervade every sector, but funda-
the erosion of long-standing support for mental challenges will persist and only
science, innovation, and international bold, well-funded research and inno-
talent in the United States. vation can solve them.

Now, with increasing restrictions on Yet, I was recently contacted by a
visa holders, many of whom are Indian distressed parent whose son, completing
and Chinese researchers, this concern Prof. (Dr.) Ganapati D. Yadav his post-doctoral stint in the U.S., faces
has turned into an urgent global issue.  NSF Chemistry Directorate: Cut by visa expiration. What was shocking
Recently, the U.S. National Academies 75%. is not the visa hurdle, but the belief
of Sciences, Engineering, and Medi-  Biological Sciences: Reduced by that he has no future in India. This
cine (NASEM) issued a rare alert to its 71%. perception must change and we must
members, warning of the catastrophic  Social, Behavioural, and Economic act to change it.
consequences of drastic federal fund- Sciences: Cut by 76%.
ing cuts to American research and inno- Policy actions India must take – now
vation. Members have been urged to These are not just numbers but they India must take swift, decisive steps
write directly to their Congressional represent a dismantling of the very to attract top global talent, including
representatives, advocating for the foundation on which America’s global Indian-origin scientists and engineers
protection of science funding. Being leadership in science and innovation aff ected by U.S. funding cuts. Here’s
an international member of NAE (US), has been built. These cuts could force how:
I got to know these facts. senior researchers to abandon projects
or leave the country, while shrinking Fast-track appointments
Several key appropriations bills the pipeline of young talent. The ripple Enable the direct recruitment
are currently under review in the U.S. eff ect will be felt globally. Many of qualifi ed researchers, especially
Congress and must be passed before European and Canadian universities are returnees from the U.S. and Europe,
September 30 to avoid a government hoping to recruit the best talent from into Centres of Excellence and top
shutdown. Alarmingly, the proposed such a vast pool. Why not India? 100 NIRF-ranked institutions. Bypass
cuts are unprecedented: bureaucratic delays like advertisements
 National Institutes of Health (NIH): A turning point for India or redundant approvals. Exceptional
Slashed by $18-bn to ~$27.5-bn. This moment of crisis in the U.S. candidates should be allowed to join
 National Science Foundation presents India with a rare and historic immediately.
(NSF): Budget cut by 57%. opportunity.
 National Aeronautics and Space Industry integration
Administration (NASA) (Science): India aspires to become a Viksit Encourage Indian industry to absorb
Reduced by 47%. Bharat by 2047, with a projected $30- these returnees by off ering attractive
 Department of Energy (DOE) trillion economy and a population of R&D roles and competitive salaries.
Offi ce of Science: Down by 14%. 1.67-bn. We aim to achieve a per capita China’s “Thousand Talents Program” is

168 Chemical Weekly August 19, 2025

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