'Foreign' obsession in science

Researchers wanted foreign instruments, even if better quality, locally produced ones were available

It seems the Make in India and Buy in India mantra has escaped academic institutions. A senior scientist said researchers in India still wanted foreign instruments, even if better quality, locally produced ones were available. “Everyone thinks only consumer goods buyers are obsessed with foreign-made products; even academics fall for the trap,” said the scientist. A local testing equipment player was on the verge of slipping into red despite offering superior products because professors preferred multinational brands, added the scientist.