Ivy League Graduates Boost India’s Thriving Tech Industry

Kunal Bahl’s dream of building a tech career in the US was cut short in 2007 when his visa was denied. Returning to India, he teamed up with a childhood friend to launch Snapdeal, now one of the country’s most valued startups. Bahl is among many Indian engineers and entrepreneurs moving back to India due to both immigration limits in the US and growing tech opportunities at home.

The trend reflects a shift from past decades when the US was the ultimate destination for tech talent. Now, India’s booming economy, rising internet usage, and demand for innovation make it a magnet for both returning professionals and recent graduates.

Companies like Snapdeal and Flipkart are the new frontiers, attracting talent from global giants like Google and Facebook. Venture capital investments are surging, with Snapdeal alone securing hundreds of millions in funding. Tech leaders such as Beerud Sheth and Girish Mathrubootham highlight India’s edge—lower labor costs, abundant talent, and a maturing startup culture.

Many returnees appreciate the excitement and scale of innovation in India but miss the order and infrastructure of American cities. Family reasons and career growth often drive the move back to India, even as challenges like bureaucracy persist.

In the face of US visa hurdles, India’s tech ecosystem is becoming a powerful alternative. Entrepreneurs and professionals are now choosing to build their futures at home, contributing to India’s economic and technological rise.

Snapdeal, India tech boom, reverse migration, startups, Indian entrepreneurs