The Illusion of "World’s Best": Unpacking India’s Obsession with H-1B Success Stories in AI and Healthcare

The Illusion of "World’s Best": Unpacking India’s Obsession 

In recent years, India has seen a surge in events, seminars, and marketing campaigns proudly proclaiming the presence of the “world’s best” minds, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. Hospitals, tech summits, and educational institutions often invite professionals from the United States or other Western countries—many of whom are Indian expatriates who secured H-1B visas or student visas and built successful careers abroad—to headline these events. The narrative is seductive: “The world’s best are here, and they’re Indian.” But this claim, often used as a marketing gimmick, raises critical questions about how we define excellence, the motivations behind such branding, and the implications for India’s innovation ecosystem.

The H-1B Halo Effect

The H-1B visa, a U.S. work visa for skilled professionals, has become a symbol of success in India. For decades, it has been a gateway for Indian engineers, doctors, and researchers to work at prestigious institutions like Google, Microsoft, or top-tier hospitals in the U.S. These individuals are undeniably talented, having navigated competitive academic systems and rigorous immigration processes. However, the leap from being a successful professional abroad to being labeled the “world’s best” is a stretch—one that is often exploited for commercial gain.

Hospitals in India, for instance, have increasingly adopted this strategy to market their AI-driven healthcare initiatives. They invite Indian-origin professionals from the U.S., often with impressive resumes from Silicon Valley or American medical institutions, to speak at conferences or endorse their facilities. The implication is clear: these individuals represent global excellence, and their presence validates the hospital’s cutting-edge capabilities. But does a stint at a U.S. tech giant or hospital automatically confer “world’s best” status? And why does this narrative resonate so deeply in India?

The Nobel Laureate Standard

To understand the disconnect, consider how the world typically defines “best.” Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, or Turing Award winners are often cited as the pinnacle of human achievement in their fields. These individuals have made transformative contributions—think Amartya Sen’s work on development economics or Venkatraman Ramakrishnan’s breakthroughs in molecular biology. Their recognition stems from measurable impact, not merely from working in a prestigious environment.

Contrast this with the profiles often celebrated in India’s marketing blitzes. Many of the “world’s best” are accomplished professionals, but their achievements are often incremental—successful project management, leadership roles in tech firms, or clinical expertise in well-resourced hospitals. These are commendable but fall short of the paradigm-shifting contributions associated with true global pioneers. By conflating the two, we risk diluting the meaning of excellence and creating a culture that prioritizes optics over substance.

The Business of Hype

The “world’s best” narrative is not just about pride; it’s a business. Hospitals, particularly in India’s burgeoning private healthcare sector, are locked in fierce competition for patients, both domestic and international. AI in healthcare—whether it’s predictive diagnostics, robotic surgeries, or personalized medicine—is a buzzword that attracts attention and investment. By showcasing Indian professionals from the U.S., hospitals tap into a potent mix of national pride and global aspiration. The message is tailored to impress: “Our doctors and AI systems are endorsed by the best in the world, who just happen to be Indian.”

This strategy also plays into India’s complex relationship with its diaspora. The success of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) is a source of immense pride, but it’s also a reminder of the brain drain that has long plagued the country. Inviting these professionals back to speak or consult creates a narrative of return, of giving back to the motherland. Yet, the reality is often more transactional—hospitals gain credibility, event organizers sell tickets, and the speakers gain a platform to burnish their personal brands.

The Cost of Exaggeration

This obsession with labeling H-1B success stories as the “world’s best” has several downsides. First, it perpetuates a colonial mindset that equates Western validation with superiority. The implication is that only those who have “made it” in the U.S. or other developed nations are worthy of admiration, sidelining the contributions of professionals who have stayed in India and built impactful careers despite systemic challenges like underfunded research or bureaucratic red tape.

Second, it risks alienating the next generation of innovators. When the “world’s best” are always those who left, what message does that send to young Indians studying or working in AI and healthcare? It suggests that true success lies abroad, reinforcing the brain drain cycle. Instead of celebrating homegrown talent—like the researchers at IISc or AIIMS developing low-cost medical solutions—the spotlight remains on NRIs who have access to resources unavailable in India.

Finally, the hype can erode trust. Patients and consumers are savvy; they can sense when claims are inflated. If a hospital’s AI capabilities or medical expertise don’t live up to the “world’s best” billing, the backlash can damage credibility. In a field like healthcare, where trust is paramount, this is a dangerous gamble.

A Call for Authentic Excellence

India has no shortage of talent. From the engineers building frugal innovations to the doctors serving in rural hospitals, the country is home to countless unsung heroes. The focus should shift from borrowing prestige to cultivating it locally. Hospitals and tech summits could invest in showcasing researchers who are solving India-specific problems—like using AI to predict disease outbreaks in underserved areas or developing affordable diagnostic tools. These contributions, though less glamorous, are often more impactful than the polished resumes of H-1B alumni.

Moreover, India’s institutions should prioritize creating an ecosystem where talent thrives without needing to leave. This means increasing funding for research, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government. If the goal is to produce “world’s best” professionals, the path lies in empowering those already here, not lionizing those who left.

Conclusion

The narrative of “world’s best” Indians returning from the U.S. to validate India’s AI and healthcare ambitions is a compelling story—but it’s just that, a story. True excellence is not defined by a visa stamp or a Silicon Valley paycheck. It’s measured by impact, innovation, and the ability to solve real-world problems. As India positions itself as a global leader in AI and healthcare, it must move beyond the H-1B halo and celebrate the authentic, often quieter, contributions of its own people. Only then can the claim of “world’s best” be more than a marketing slogan—it can be a reality.