New Delhi | October 12, 2026
American economist Jeffrey Sachs has criticised the United States’ tightening of employment-based immigration rules, warning that the measures could weaken its ability to attract global talent and create greater uncertainty in India-US economic relations.
In an interview with Republic Media Network, Sachs argued that India should maintain ties with Washington while strengthening domestic innovation, diversifying international partnerships and reducing dependence on foreign technology providers.
Green Card Restrictions Raise Concerns
The US suspension of employment-based green-card processing for several major technology companies, including Microsoft, Infosys, TCS, Wipro and Cognizant, has raised concerns among Indian professionals and IT firms.
Sachs said the policy reflects a broader shift away from openness and international talent mobility. He argued that restrictive immigration measures could encourage more Indian engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to remain in India and contribute to its domestic technology sector.
Sachs Warns of Greater India-US Economic Volatility
Sachs said the immigration restrictions should not be viewed as an India-specific measure, but as part of a wider change in US policy towards immigration and trade.
He also pointed to tariff disputes and uncertainty surrounding work visas as factors that could complicate bilateral economic relations. He urged New Delhi to remain measured while expanding partnerships with Europe, ASEAN, the Gulf, Africa and other countries.
India’s government has separately criticised the characterisation of Indian professionals as “indentured servants”, saying skilled migration benefits both economies.
Starlink Debate Highlights Technology Concerns
Sachs also criticised Elon Musk’s public pressure on India over regulatory approval for Starlink, describing it as an attempt to advance commercial interests. He argued that India should develop its own satellite broadband capabilities and ensure that foreign providers operate within national regulations.
His comments come amid wider discussions about digital sovereignty, national security and the role of foreign technology companies in India’s communications infrastructure.
India’s Focus on Domestic Innovation
Sachs advocated greater investment in education, scientific research, digital infrastructure and indigenous technology. His position is that India can preserve international partnerships while building stronger domestic capabilities and avoiding excessive reliance on any single country.
The debate reflects broader challenges in India-US relations, where cooperation in technology and business continues alongside disagreements over immigration and trade policy.
