Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently shared that the United States has greatly benefited from the talents of skilled Indian professionals over the years. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Musk praised the contributions of Indian engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to the growth of American innovation and the tech industry.
During the discussion, Kamath highlighted how the U.S. has attracted intelligent minds from across the globe, a trend often referred to in India as “brain drain.” He also pointed out the large number of Indian-origin leaders at major global companies. Musk agreed and noted that Indian professionals have played a crucial role in advancing both technology and business in the U.S.
Addressing the concern that foreign talent might replace local workers, Musk stated that the primary issue is actually a shortage of skilled individuals. “There’s always a scarcity of talented people,” he said, adding that his companies focus on hiring the best talent available, regardless of nationality.
Musk also addressed the H-1B visa program, acknowledging that while some outsourcing firms have misused the system, completely shutting it down would be harmful. He emphasized the importance of bringing in talent to fill critical roles, an opinion that aligns with recent remarks from Donald Trump advocating for balanced immigration to meet workforce needs.
Overall, Musk stressed that welcoming skilled professionals from around the world, including India, remains essential for America’s continued technological leadership.
