Indians Continue to Empower the U.S. Economy, Powering STEM, Medicine, and Corporate America

Indian immigrants and Indian-Americans have quietly become one of the driving forces behind the United States’ progress in science, medicine, and business. In fields where skilled workers are in short supply and the demands of a modern economy grow ever larger, Indian talent is not just filling gaps—it is leading the way forward.

In healthcare, their contribution is particularly striking. Indian-trained doctors now form the largest single nationality group among international medical graduates (IMGs) practising in the United States.

Today, nearly 8 per cent of all practising physicians in America trace their origins to India. Whether treating patients in busy city hospitals or serving rural communities where doctors are scarce, Indian-origin physicians have become an essential part of the U.S. healthcare system.

The story is similar in science and technology. From Silicon Valley startups to the largest tech companies in the world, Indian professionals are shaping America’s digital future.

Indian entrepreneurs founded over 15 per cent of Silicon Valley startups between 1995 and 2005—more than any other foreign-born group.

And the trend continues today, with Indian nationals making up more than half of all new STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permits.

These permits are the bridge between academic study and the workforce, allowing Indian graduates to contribute directly to cutting-edge research, software development, and scientific discovery.

In business, Indian-origin executives are leading some of the most influential global companies. Nearly 60 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are of Indian descent, a remarkable number for any immigrant group. Among them are household names such as Sundar Pichai at Google, Satya Nadella at Microsoft, Arvind Krishna at IBM, Neal Mohan at YouTube, Laxman Narasimhan at Starbucks, and Ajay Banga at the World Bank. Under their leadership, these companies are shaping industries, economies, and the way millions of people live and work.

Taken together, these contributions tell a larger story. America is not just welcoming Indian immigrants—it is depending on them.

The U.S. actively recruits highly educated Indians to sustain its economic growth and maintain its leadership in global innovation. American universities, hospitals, and technology companies are among the many institutions that rely on Indian talent to drive their missions forward.

This reliance is reflected in immigration patterns and educational achievements. Nearly 80 per cent of Indian students in the U.S. pursue STEM degrees, preparing for careers in science, engineering, and technology.

Among Indian-Americans aged 25 and older, nearly 77 per cent hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and about 40 per cent have earned postgraduate qualifications—figures far above the national average. High-skill professions such as management, science, business, and the arts employ more than 75 per cent of Indian-Americans.

In every sector of American life—whether in operating rooms, laboratories, corporate boardrooms, or classrooms—Indian immigrants and their descendants are making their mark.

They are not only helping to meet America’s immediate workforce needs; they are helping to shape its future.