‘I had to escape’: Japanese vlogger reflects on why many Indians are leaving country

A Japanese travel vlogger has sparked a wide-ranging conversation online after sharing a video in which he reflects on his encounters with Indians living abroad. The video, posted by vlogger maharaja_otaku_tokyo, captures his thoughts after speaking to several Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) during his travels across different countries.

“What stood out wasn’t just how talented or driven these individuals were,” he said, “but the reason they gave for leaving India.”

According to the vlogger, nearly every Indian he met abroad shared a similar sentiment:

“India is too hard to live in. We dream big, but the system holds us back.”

In the video captioned "Why So Many Indians Are Leaving India ", he poses a poignant question to viewers:

“Is this true for you too? Is India no longer a place for dreamers? Let me hear your voice.”

The vlogger also opened up further about his conversations with Indian expats.

“I had to escape. I am travelling a lot and kept meeting Indians who have left India for good... They say, ‘Taxes are high, roads are broken, politicians are rich — and what do we get in return? Nothing.’ They dream big, but not in India. That hit me.”

Recalling another conversation, he shared: One guy said he pays 30 per cent tax and still gets power cuts and dirty water. He asked, ‘Why should I stay?’ Another person told me, ‘India is not for dreamers. It is for survivors.’

The video quickly gained attention, with several users weighing in on the discussion.

One user wrote, “Yes, I think the same! Zero civic sense in public, not safe for women". Meanwhile, another added, “Only those who can exploit labour and live in good neighbourhoods would love to stay in India.”

The development comes amid growing concerns raised by experts and political parties over the mass exodus of young Indians to foreign countries. Many have described the trend as a form of brain drain, warning that it could have long-term implications for the country’s growth and development.

While a significant number of youngsters initially move abroad for higher education, a large portion of them go on to build their careers in those countries rather than returning to India.

According to data available with the Ministry, 2,16,219 Indians renounced their Indian citizenship in 2023, followed by 2,06,378 in 2024. Furthermore, over 18 lakh Indians have renounced their citizenship over the past 13 years, choosing to acquire the nationality of 135 different countries, according to government data presented in the Rajya Sabha.