**Trump’s New H-1B Visa Fee Will Drive Start-Ups to India: Amitabh Kant**
*By Akash Pandey | September 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*
Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, has voiced strong opinions regarding US President Donald Trump’s newly announced H-1B visa policy. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kant highlighted that the proposed $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa worker would stifle innovation within the United States while providing a significant boost to India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
According to Kant, by effectively shutting its doors to global talent, America risks shifting technology labs and startups to Indian cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad. He emphasized that this policy shift presents a unique opportunity for India’s top doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators to contribute meaningfully to the country’s developmental goals.
### An Opportunity for a ‘Viksit Bharat’
Kant described the new US visa restrictions as a potential catalyst for India’s ambition to become a developed nation—often referred to as ‘Viksit Bharat’. With Indian professionals historically dominating the H-1B visa program, the move could propel domestic innovation and entrepreneurship at home.
Last year, Indian nationals accounted for approximately 71% of approved H-1B visa beneficiaries, according to official government data. This statistic underscores the pivotal role Indian talent has played in shaping the US technology landscape.
### Understanding the New H-1B Policy
The Trump administration’s executive order aims to curb abuses of the H-1B program and prioritize American workers. The new rules apply to both new applications and renewals, introducing a steep $100,000 annual fee per skilled worker under the visa program. Additionally, a “gold card” program has been launched, offering expedited visas for wealthy investors willing to invest up to $2 million in the US economy.
Major technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have historically received thousands of H-1B approvals under the previous rules, leveraging global talent to drive growth.
### Potential Impact on US Industries
These changes, which take effect from September 21, 2025, could severely affect several crucial sectors in the US, including healthcare, higher education, and technology. The steep fees may deter companies from hiring skilled international workers, potentially leading to talent shortages.
While the new policy is expected to face legal challenges, if upheld, it would significantly increase the cost of employing foreign professionals under the H-1B program.
### Global Talent Shift: ‘America’s Loss, India’s Gain’
Amitabh Kant’s remarks serve as a strong endorsement of India’s ability to fill the innovation void that might be created by America’s tighter immigration rules. He stated, “America’s loss will be India’s gain,” underscoring the vast pool of Indian doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators who are now positioned to contribute substantially to India’s growth story.
As the H-1B program remains a critical gateway for Indian engineers and professionals impacting the global tech industry, the evolving US visa landscape could reshape the innovation map, favoring India’s burgeoning technology hubs.
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*Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses on global tech and policy shifts.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-s-h-1b-fee-hurts-us-but-helps-india-amitabh-kant/story