R&D attracting talent back to India: Mashelkar

With the advent of research and development in private sector, India is witnessing a positive trend with its talent returning back to the country, Raghunath Mashelkar President Indian National Science Academy (INSA) said. "It's the right time to be in India," the leading scientist said.

India is becoming a global R&D platform with more than 300 companies setting up their centres here. This has opened up opportunities for young students who need not leave the country for better jobs, he said.

In last three years 30,000 scientists and researchers have returned to India to be absorbed in various organisations, Mas-helkar said quoting NASSCOM at INSA's General Body Meeting. Many of those who have returned are also joining government organisations, Mash-elkar said pointing out that R&D, which was earlier a government domain, has now largely become a private concern.