us president donald trump signing executive order

U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order cutting regulations, accompanied by small business leaders at the Oval Office. Pic: Reuters

Indian tech firms may be affected by Trump’s ‘America First’ policy

By | 1 February, 2017

INDIAN tech firms that benefit from U.S. companies outsourcing certain jobs and tasks to India could lose out under Trump’s ‘America First’ stance.

The new U.S. administration has focused on protectionism policies and a tougher stance on immigration. For example, H-1B visas for foreign nationals working in specialty fields – such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers – are expected to be reformed.

Reuters reported that Trump’s senior policy adviser Stephen Miller has proposed scrapping the existing lottery system used to award H-1B visas.

“Immigration restrictions are the main source of India’s vulnerability,” said Sonal Varma, chief India economist at Nomura, told CNBC in a note. “The viability of the offshoring model of Indian software firms would be at risk.”

The U.S. government awards 65,000 regular H-1B visas every year, many of them going to the technology sector. Silicon Valley tech companies often use the visas to hire Indians in technical roles either directly or through outsourcing firms like software company Infosys.

Any reform to the visa system could affect remittances to India from the U.S. According to World Bank Data in 2015 the States was the second largest source of remittances for India,

‘America First’ policies could also impact Indian exports to America, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewelry and auto products.

SEE ALSO: The Trump Reality: What Silicon Valley will have to deal with in the next four years

However, due to India’s strong domestic demand driven economy the impact could be less severe on the country than for other trade-orientated emerging markets.

“India is fundamentally in a strong position due to sharply lower fiscal and current account deficits since the taper tantrum, lower inflation and more sustainable growth prospects due to continued productivity enhancing reforms instituted by the Modi government,” Varma told the CNBC.



By

@Heidivel

| @Heidivel

Heidi Vella is a freelance energy and technology journalist based in London. Her interests include smart cities, clean energy, emerging markets and technology innovation. Prior to working freelance, Heidi spent four years’ covering all things technology and energy-related for London-based Progressive Digital Media.

READ MORE