Economy
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Updated on 12 Nov 2025, 09:27 am
Reviewed By
Simar Singh | Whalesbook News Team

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The article argues that Donald Trump's recent change of tone regarding H-1B visas is a calculated, transactional adjustment rather than a policy pivot. Trump has differentiated between 'illegal' and 'skilled' immigration, acknowledging the value of high-skill visas, particularly for the technology sector, which relies heavily on foreign talent.
India, as the primary source of H-1B visa holders, was not the core target of Trump's anti-immigration rhetoric. Instead, corporate America's dependence on skilled foreign workers, driven by economic utility, played a significant role in influencing Trump's stance.
This softening is directly linked to India's compliance with key US demands. Washington had exerted pressure on India concerning tariffs on American goods, a substantial trade surplus favoring India, and India's imports of discounted Russian crude oil. Following India's reduction in Russian oil intake, increased flexibility on tariff structures, and indications of balancing import mixes, the US has eased its stance. Trump himself mentioned India stopping Russian oil as a sign of progress.
Impact This development suggests a potential improvement in US-India economic relations, potentially leading to more predictable trade and smoother talent mobility for India. The Indian Rupee initially saw a slight appreciation but later fell due to other market factors. The core lesson for India is to maintain pragmatism and strategic autonomy, recognizing that any goodwill from the US under Trump is transactional and contingent on aligning with American interests. Rating: 8/10
Difficult Terms: H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Transactional: Involving or characterized by the exchange of goods or services for money or their equivalent; dealing with practical matters rather than theory. Geopolitical Arithmetic: The calculation or assessment of international relations and power dynamics. Collateral Noise: Information or rhetoric that is secondary or incidental to the main point, often used to appeal to a specific audience. Economic Utility: The usefulness or benefit derived from economic activities or resources. Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods. Trade Surplus: Occurs when a country's exports exceed its imports. Crude Oil: Unrefined petroleum. Strategic Autonomy: The ability of a state to pursue its own foreign policy interests without external coercion.