**Trump’s H-1B Fee Will Drive Start-ups to India: Amitabh Kant**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*
Amitabh Kant, former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, has shared his views on US President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa policy, highlighting its potential impact on innovation and global talent mobility.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kant criticized the introduction of a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa worker. He believes this move will stifle innovation in the United States while simultaneously boosting the startup ecosystem in India. According to Kant, by closing its doors to global talent, America is effectively shifting innovation hubs and start-ups to Indian cities such as Bangalore, Pune, Gurugram, and Hyderabad.
### An Opportunity for India’s Growth
Kant emphasized that the policy change presents a significant opportunity for India to accelerate its journey toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India). He noted that India’s top doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators are now well-positioned to contribute directly to the country’s development.
The H-1B visa program has historically played a crucial role in facilitating Indian professionals’ contributions to the US tech industry. Government data from last year shows that India accounted for 71% of approved H-1B visa beneficiaries, underlining the program’s importance to skilled Indian workers.
### Details of the New Policy
President Trump’s executive order aims to curb perceived abuses of the H-1B program and prioritize American workers. The new rules, which take effect on September 21, 2025, introduce a steep $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa holder for both new applicants and renewals.
Additionally, the order introduces a “gold card” program offering expedited visas to wealthy investors, requiring an investment of up to $2 million.
### Impact on US Industries
Major technology companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have historically benefited from thousands of H-1B approvals under previous regulations.
The new fee structure is expected to significantly impact America’s healthcare, higher education, and technology sectors by increasing the cost of hiring skilled international workers.
While legal challenges to these rules are anticipated, if upheld, companies employing H-1B workers will face substantial additional costs that may reshape hiring practices.
### A Global Shift in Innovation
Amitabh Kant succinctly captured the wider implications of the policy change, stating, “America’s loss will be India’s gain.” He highlighted India’s capacity to fill the innovation gap created by these restrictions, pointing out the country’s wealth of talent in medicine, engineering, science, and technology.
As the US reconsiders its approach to skilled global labor, India stands ready to leverage this moment to strengthen its position as a global innovation powerhouse.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-s-h-1b-fee-hurts-us-but-helps-india-amitabh-kant/story