NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India is celebrating a major achievement in global science after thousands of its doctors and researchers earned a place in Stanford University’s 2025 list of the world’s top 2 percent scientists. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the recognition as a proud moment for the nation and a sign of India’s rising strength in medical research and innovation.
Goyal praised the Indian scientists who made it to the prestigious list, calling their inclusion “a reflection of the country’s growing expertise in medical research.” He said the achievement highlights India’s expanding influence in global scientific innovation.
“A proud moment for Indian doctors,” Goyal wrote in a post on X. “This distinction stands as a testament to India’s growing expertise in medical research and the unwavering commitment of its scientific community to innovation and global excellence.”
He also mentioned “Dr. Arun Mullaji, a dear friend and renowned orthopaedician,” who was among those featured in the list.
According to the Stanford University report, 6,239 Indian researchers were included in the single-year category, while 3,372 earned recognition in the career-long category for 2024. The list includes 14 orthopaedicians, 41 paediatricians, and thousands of faculty members from leading Indian academic and research institutions.
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) contributed the highest number of scientists, with 755 researchers featured in the rankings. They were followed by over 330 scientists from the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and 117 from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) also made a strong mark, with 80 researchers recognized in the list. Of these, 56 were from AIIMS New Delhi, showcasing the institute’s leadership in medical research.
Goyal said the inclusion of a record number of Indian researchers reflects the nation’s growing research capacity and global recognition in scientific fields. “The feat reflects the country’s growing expertise in medical research,” he said. “Our scientists continue to push boundaries and contribute to global progress.”
He added that this recognition reinforces India’s position as a key player in the international research community. The minister credited the country’s focus on innovation, research infrastructure, and collaboration between academic institutions for this progress.
Stanford University’s annual list identifies the top 2 percent of scientists across all disciplines worldwide. The 2025 database uses standardized citation metrics, including h-index, co-authorship-adjusted h-index, and citation counts across different authorship positions.
Scientists are selected from among the top 100,000 globally based on a composite score (known as the c-score), both with and without self-citations. Researchers who rank in the top 2 percent within their specific field also qualify for inclusion.
The data provides a detailed picture of global research excellence and recognizes scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields through impactful publications and discoveries. The recognition of thousands of Indian researchers marks a milestone in the country’s scientific journey. Experts say the growing presence of Indian names in the global rankings underscores the strength of the nation’s research ecosystem.
India’s academic and medical institutions have steadily increased their global footprint, driven by strong research output and international collaborations. The inclusion of so many Indian scientists in the Stanford list reflects years of dedication, innovation, and excellence in diverse scientific fields.
“This distinction is not only a personal achievement for our scientists but also a collective win for India,” Goyal said. “It shows how far our research community has come and how committed we are to advancing science for the world.”
The recognition comes at a time when India is strengthening its position as a global hub for research and innovation. With a growing focus on technology, healthcare, and sustainability, Indian scientists continue to play a key role in shaping solutions to global challenges.
Goyal said the government remains committed to supporting researchers and institutions to further boost India’s global scientific standing. “Our scientists are the pride of the nation,” he said. “Their work continues to inspire the next generation to aim higher and contribute to a better world.” As more Indian names shine on the global stage, the country’s growing scientific footprint signals a future where India stands among the world’s leading innovators.
