India: Global Careers Bloom from Home

Indian professionals are redefining international careers by increasingly working remotely from within India. A study by Indeed India reveals that 61% of professionals now favor global remote roles, a significant shift from traditional relocation-based career paths. This trend persists even with visa uncertainties, as 49% would continue working from India if their visa pathways were blocked.

Despite the desire for remote work, 44% still aspire to international careers, with many seeing advantages in early-career overseas experience for exposure to global leadership cultures. However, only 15% of professionals feel they clearly understand visa regulations, especially impacting early and mid-career individuals. The focus is evolving from 'move first' to 'prepare first, move later or not at all,' with international project work from India now preferred over short-term assignments.

This evolving landscape also impacts employers, with 41% of employees willing to switch jobs for better overseas posting opportunities, making mobility pathways a key retention factor. While the US remains a top destination, professionals are diversifying ambitions, showing increased preference for Germany (47%), Canada, the UK, Middle Eastern markets, and Singapore. This reflects a strategic adaptation to tighter mobility options, expanding global career building inward through skills, project exposure, and flexible models.