New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The VAIBHAV fellowship programme is providing Indian scientists and researchers settled abroad with opportunities to collaborate with institutions in India, enabling them to contribute their expertise to the country’s research and development without having to relocate.
An AI-generated video shared by the social media handle Modi Story on X has highlighted how the initiative aims to connect Indian scientific talent abroad with domestic research institutions, creating opportunities for “brain gain” and “brain exchange” in place of brain drain.
The video depicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraging Indian scientists overseas to share their expertise to support India’s growth, with researchers expressing their willingness to contribute to the country’s development.
The VAIBHAV (Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik) fellowship programme was launched by the Department of Science and Technology in 2023 to facilitate collaboration between the Indian diaspora working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and academic and research institutions in India.
The programme enables overseas Indian researchers to spend a short period, typically two to three months, working with Indian institutions. It is intended to foster collaborative research and build partnerships without requiring participants to move back to India.
According to Modi Story, the initiative allows overseas Indian scientists to contribute to projects and technologies relevant to national development. The social media handle described the programme as an effort to convert brain drain into brain gain by enabling scientists to collaborate with Indian institutions while continuing their work abroad.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has also highlighted the importance of engaging Indian talent across the world. He said Prime Minister Modi’s objective was to connect with people, both in India and abroad, who could contribute to the country’s growth and development.
VAIBHAV fellows associated with universities and research and development centres in countries including the United States, Canada, Sweden and Australia have welcomed efforts to institutionalise engagement with the Indian scientific diaspora.
The fellows have also shared practical suggestions for strengthening collaboration between Indian research institutions and Indian scientists working overseas.
The initiative is designed to support short-term research partnerships and longer-term collaborative relationships, helping overseas researchers share their knowledge, experience and expertise with institutions in India without requiring permanent relocation.
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