How India's brain drain and foreign students dip led to $6 billion deficit

The rising trend of Indian students studying abroad and the declining number of foreign students in India have contributed to a significant $6 billion deficit in the country's current account balance

The growing demand among Indian students for education at foreign universities, coupled with the declining intake of foreign students by Indian universities, has gradually but steadily created a $6 billion hole in India’s current account balance.

An analysis of the balance of payments (BoP) data shows education-related travel by Indians more than doubled in 10 years—from $2.46 billion in FY15 to $6.3 billion in FY24. The rise in the income level of the Indian middle class and better employment opportunities with higher wages outside India are often cited as reasons behind such a trend.

However, travel to