Return to India (R2I) is one of the biggest decisions an NRI ever faces. And if you're anything like me, you’ve probably made endless pros and cons lists, discussed it with friends and family for hours, and still felt stuck.

The truth is — no checklist or perfect plan can truly tell you if it's the right time to move back. Because R2I is not a math problem. It's an emotional, life-changing decision.

I know this firsthand. After living 12 years in the USA, I spent 2 years just thinking, planning, overthinking — only to realize that the real clarity came from asking the right questions, not making longer lists.

In this article (and the video below), I’ll break down how you can actually make this decision in a way that feels right — and real.

👉 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/zkkW6V9tIFM

Step 1: Know Your Real Reason

Before anything else, ask yourself: Why do I want to return to India?

Not why others think you should. Not why it "might" be a good idea. Your reason.

For me, it wasn’t about better traffic, cleaner air, or salary comparisons. It was about feeling disconnected abroad, about wanting to raise my kids closer to family, about living a life that felt more whole.

Pro Tip: Imagine yourself in the worst situations in India — stuck in traffic, dealing with pollution, facing financial ups and downs. Would you still want to return? If yes, your reason is strong.

(Optional Image Suggestion: A visual showing a split screen of US/India life — calm vs chaotic.)

Step 2: Check Your Readiness

It’s not just about wanting to move. It's about being ready.

Ask yourself:

Is my spouse aligned with this decision?
Are my children emotionally prepared?
Do I have the financial strength to manage life in India for at least 6 months without stress?

If even one of these pillars is shaky, work on strengthening it before you make the move.

You cannot drag unwilling family members or move under financial stress. Strong decisions come from strong foundations.

(Optional Image Suggestion: A simple 3-pillar graphic: Spouse | Children | Finances.)

Step 3: Overcoming Fear and Making the Decision

When you stand at the crossroads of returning to India, even after doing all the planning and preparation, one thing will still stand in your way: Fear.

Instead of fighting it, understand it.

Here’s how you can break through and make a confident R2I decision:

1. It’s OK to Be Scared

Fear is not a sign that you're making the wrong decision. Fear simply means you're stepping into something big — something that matters.

Even when choosing schools, jobs, or homes abroad, NRIs feel uncertain. There’s no "perfect" decision in life. And Return to India is no different.

When doubts hit me — Will I regret it? Will my kids adjust? — I realized that being scared just meant I cared. It wasn’t weakness; it was natural.

Accept the fear. Walk with it. Don’t wait for it to disappear.

2. It Takes Courage to Move Against the Current

When most people are still chasing the "dream life" abroad, deciding to return to India feels like swimming against the current.

You’ll hear:

"You’re being emotional."
"Life in India is hard."
"You’re giving up so much."

And maybe you’ll even doubt yourself.

But real courage lies in following your heart — not the herd. Returning to India is not a step back; it's a step towards what matters most to you.

I reminded myself:

If I could build a life from scratch abroad, I can rebuild one again back home.

It won’t be easy, but it will be meaningful.

3. Believe in Yourself

If you've survived and thrived abroad, it means you already have resilience, adaptability, and strength.

Life in India comes with its challenges — traffic, pollution, system frustrations — but none of it is bigger than your ability to adapt and grow.

Returning is not starting over. It’s continuing your journey, closer to your roots.

Trust yourself.

The same strength that helped you succeed in the US, UK, Canada, or anywhere else — will help you succeed in India too.

Once you make a committed decision, fear loses its power — and action takes over.

Final Thoughts

Returning to India is not about making a "perfect" decision — it’s about making a committed one.

Know your real reason.
Make sure your basics are aligned.
Accept your fears, but don't be controlled by them.
And finally, believe in yourself.

If your heart feels called back to India, don't let uncertainty hold you prisoner. Prepare smartly, plan well, and move forward with confidence.

Because the pain of indecision is far greater than the challenges of any decision.

Hope this was helpful!

Amit Agarwal

Should You Move Back to India? How to Really Decide