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With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Indian professionals, students and tech companies are bracing for another era of shifting U.S. policies. Questions loom large: will Trump’s stance on immigration limit opportunities for the many Indian workers seeking U.S. visas? Will the ‘America First’ approach intensify challenges for Indian IT giants reliant on U.S. clients? Or, on the other hand, could this be a chance for India’s workforce to step up as a global tech and skill powerhouse?
New Challenges For Indian Professionals
For years, the H-1B visa programme has been central to Indian tech talent looking to work in the U.S. Trump’s previous term saw attempts to limit these visas to prioritise American hires, disrupting hiring for many Indian IT firms. In his second term, similar restrictions are expected, including potential reductions in H-1B quotas and increased scrutiny in visa processing.
Prominent voices in Indian tech, like Vinod Kumar Chand, founder of LocalKontact, warn that Trump’s policies could impact job mobility, making the path to U.S.-based work more complex for Indian professionals. “While the Indian Right will celebrate a Trump win, but mark my words, a Trump win will be bad news for India. He will work actively to take jobs back to America, throw out the immigrants and work to cut duties imposed on US products, thus boosting their entry into countries like India,” he took to LinkedIn.
Indian IT leaders may ramp up U.S.-based hiring or look to establish operational bases in alternate hubs like Latin America to maintain continuity with American clients. However, smaller firms may find these shifts harder to manage, which could reshape hiring strategies and employment patterns within India.
Preparing For New Demands
Given the increased difficulty of accessing U.S. work opportunities, India may place greater emphasis on skilling and reskilling efforts within its borders. The Indian government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative already aligns with this trend, promoting domestic skill development to reduce dependency on foreign markets. As a result, Indian workers may see more robust training programmes in areas with rising global demand, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics. Upskilling could become central to helping Indian professionals remain competitive for remote or global roles that don’t rely on U.S. visas, creating a talent pool that can work flexibly across international markets.
“Modi’s friendship with Trump won’t drive India’s growth. Trump’s dislike for China won’t either. None of this will fuel India’s progress. Our growth hinges on building skill. India can only thrive if we become skilled. We lack skill, BIG TIME. Let's get to work. Let's build skill,” wrote Mani Maran Ramalingam, CMO, Maxbyte Technologies on his LinkedIn.
Indian Students & Trump’s Education Policies
For Indian students aiming to study and work in the U.S., Trump’s policies could introduce new challenges, including longer visa wait times and stricter work authorisation processes post-graduation. Past moves under Trump, such as restrictions on international student stays, created uncertainty and similar policies may resurface in his new term.
As a result, Indian students could increasingly seek alternatives within India or other countries for their education. This trend could encourage Indian institutions to offer global-standard programmes in high-demand fields, allowing students to obtain competitive qualifications without the complications of U.S. visa restrictions.
Strategic Adjustments In IT & Other Sectors
Nasscom, India’s prominent tech industry body, highlighted that the United States remains the largest market for India’s $254 billion technology sector, contributing around $80 billion to the U.S. GDP. The tech industry, it noted, plays a pivotal role in fortifying the U.S. economy by supporting American companies through technological innovation and collaboration.
“President Trump's pro-business policies are expected to further strengthen this alliance, driving increased investments and favorable trade dynamics as the demand for a skilled Indian workforce continues to grow in industries pivotal to the digital economy and sustainable development. A key area of expansion lies in the growth of GCCs, with numerous U.S. companies eager to tap into India’s skilled labor pool, setting the stage for job creation and reinforcing India’s standing as a global talent hub,” says Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship.
Beyond individual impacts, Trump’s policies could also reshape entire sectors within India. During Trump’s earlier administration, some U.S. companies turned to outsourcing to manage hiring constraints, benefiting sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals in India. A similar trend could emerge this term, with increased outsourcing potentially driving growth in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. However, if Trump enacts tariffs or trade restrictions, Indian businesses may face pressure to adapt by focusing on high-value services and stronger brand differentiation to maintain their U.S. market presence.
Trump’s return presents a nuanced reality for India’s workforce. While some may face obstacles in realising their U.S. career dreams, others could find this to be a time of growth and self-reliance within India’s borders.
