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Top reads curated from the internet
How MAGA fell out with ‘Indian Tech-Bros’
AI needs talent, not factories – India has both: Google X’s Sebastian Thrun
What Modi and India Can Offer Trump on Trade
India to host next AI summit, pitches to make it mindful of needs of Global South
What Indian Americans think of Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs and impact on India
There’s a big, non-obvious Trump problem for India
How MAGA fell out with ‘Indian Tech-Bros’
The article first appeared in Aljazeera on Feb 1, 2025. The H-1B visa program has long been a critical pathway for skilled Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. However, recent policy shifts under the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have caused growing disillusionment among these workers. Initially, the promise of the H-1B visa was seen as an entry point to the American dream, allowing Indian talent to thrive in Silicon Valley. Yet, the reality has often been far more complex, exposing workers to job insecurity, workplace exploitation, and cultural alienation. Under Donald Trump’s renewed MAGA agenda in his second term, the administration has introduced stricter immigration policies, making the H-1B visa process more challenging. This has sparked significant frustration within the Indian tech community, which once viewed the Republican leadership as a supporter of business-friendly policies. While figures like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella symbolize the heights Indian professionals can achieve, they also mask the struggles of thousands of workers tethered to precarious employment contracts. Many Indian tech workers remain dependent on their employers for visa sponsorship, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Moreover, the perception of Indian professionals as the “model minority” has played a dual role. On the one hand, high salaries and academic excellence have provided visibility and privilege. On the other, the reluctance to engage with systemic racial inequities has alienated Indian professionals from broader social justice movements. The H-1B visa system, while facilitating economic success, has also led to a reinforcement of workplace disparities. Many Indian professionals have unwittingly participated in structures that prioritize their inclusion while sidelining other marginalized communities. Caste discrimination within the tech industry is another pressing issue. Although largely unspoken, reports have emerged about biases among Indian professionals in hiring and workplace dynamics. This has fueled tensions not just within the Indian diaspora but also within Silicon Valley’s diverse workforce. With the MAGA movement pushing for further restrictions on employment-based immigration, the cracks in this once-stable relationship have widened. As the United States reassesses its immigration policies, Indian tech professionals face a difficult choice. They must navigate an increasingly restrictive H-1B visa system while addressing their own role in reinforcing social hierarchies. The MAGA agenda, once perceived as business-friendly, now threatens to undermine the very workforce that helped fuel America’s technological dominance. Read more at Aljazeera Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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AI needs talent, not factories – India has both: Google X’s Sebastian Thrun
This article was published on Feb 13, 2025 India is on the brink of a transformative era in artificial intelligence (AI), and renowned AI pioneer Sebastian Thrun believes the country is uniquely positioned to lead in this domain. Speaking at the Invest Karnataka 2025 summit, Thrun emphasized that India does not require massive infrastructure or vast resources to become a global powerhouse in AI. Instead, the country’s strength lies in its intellectual capital and software expertise, making AI innovation an accessible and promising opportunity. Thrun, known for co-founding Google X, the innovation lab behind Google Glass and Waymo, Google's self-driving car initiative, highlighted that AI development primarily relies on software. Unlike traditional industries that demand large-scale factories, expensive machinery, or extensive energy resources, AI innovation can emerge from small teams working in dorm rooms or coffee shops. "You don’t need massive industry or huge energy resources, and you don’t have to be Germany to build this," Thrun stated. "You could start with just three or four people in a dorm or a coffee shop and invent the world." This statement underscores the accessibility of AI innovation and how Indian entrepreneurs can leverage their skills to drive significant technological advancements. One of the most compelling points Thrun made was about India’s impact on the global tech landscape. He noted that many top CEOs in America, including Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Sundar Pichai (Google), are of Indian origin. This success demonstrates India's capability to produce world-class talent capable of leading AI-driven enterprises. Thrun encouraged Indian innovators to capitalize on this momentum and drive AI advancements within the country. As an example of what is possible, Thrun cited the success of Deepseek, a Chinese AI startup founded by a group of novices without formal AI training. Despite their lack of resources, they built a low-cost competitor to OpenAI from their dorm room. This case study reinforces the idea that innovation in AI does not require massive funding but rather intelligence, determination, and creativity—qualities that India possesses in abundance. Read more at Business Standard Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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What Modi and India Can Offer Trump on Trade
The article first appeared in New York Times on Feb 12, 2025. India-US trade relations have long been a cornerstone of economic diplomacy between the two nations. Over the years, trade between India and the United States has grown significantly, making the partnership beneficial for both economies. India remains one of the few Asian countries that trade more with the U.S. than with China, underscoring the strategic importance of this relationship. However, trade imbalances and tariff disputes have occasionally strained the partnership, particularly during the Trump administration. One of the main concerns in India-US trade relations has been the trade surplus India enjoys over the United States. In recent years, India has exported goods worth approximately $87 billion to the U.S., while importing $42 billion, leading to a trade surplus of $46 billion. Former President Donald Trump was vocal about his dissatisfaction with such trade deficits, often criticizing countries that exported more to the U.S. than they imported. India was no exception, and its tariffs on American goods, particularly motorcycles like Harley-Davidson, became a point of contention. During his presidency, Trump referred to India as the “tariff king” due to its high duties on certain American products. His administration pushed for lower tariffs and fairer trade practices, leading India to make some adjustments. Despite these disagreements, the overall trajectory of India-US trade relations remained positive, with both countries recognizing the need to strengthen economic ties. Looking forward, there are several opportunities for India and the U.S. to enhance their trade partnership. The technology sector, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy are promising areas for deeper collaboration. India’s growing digital economy presents new markets for American companies, while U.S. firms can benefit from India’s skilled workforce and expanding consumer base. Both nations can work towards reducing trade barriers, fostering investment, and creating a more balanced trade framework. While political changes may influence trade policies, the economic relationship between India and the U.S. remains robust. By addressing tariff disputes and leveraging emerging sectors, both countries can ensure that India-US trade relations continue to thrive, benefiting businesses and consumers on both sides... Read more at New York Times Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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India to host next AI summit, pitches to make it mindful of needs of Global South
This article first appeared in The New Indian Express on February 12, 2025. India is set to host the next global AI summit, as confirmed by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron. The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s co-chairing of the recent AI summit in Paris, where he expressed India's willingness to lead the next event. This development marks a significant step in India's commitment to shaping an inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven AI governance framework, particularly for the Global South. As the AI conversation shifts from a focus on safety in 2023 to action in 2025, India aims to ensure that governance structures address global challenges while fostering equitable technological advancements. The country has actively participated in all five working groups—international governance, the future of work, security and safety, AI for general interest, and innovation and culture—demonstrating its comprehensive approach to AI governance. Despite differences among nations, particularly the US and the UK, India remains committed to achieving a collaborative outcome for the summit. Recognizing the role of AI governance in ensuring accessibility, Prime Minister Modi has emphasized inclusivity and sustainability as key principles. He highlighted that the Global South faces challenges such as limited compute power, talent, data, and financial resources, which must be addressed to enable equitable AI-driven development. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated this vision, stating that India's goal is to maximize benefits for the greatest number of people. Since assuming the G20 Presidency, India has actively worked to integrate more Global South nations into AI discussions. S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, compared this moment to the Y2K revolution for India's IT sector, underscoring the need to prioritize innovation. AI’s potential to transform industries like healthcare, education, and agriculture makes it a crucial tool for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prime Minister Modi also stressed the importance of sustainable AI, noting that efficiency in AI models extends beyond clean energy usage to optimizing data needs and resource requirements. He drew a powerful analogy, stating that while AI demands vast resources, the human brain, despite its limitations, is capable of extraordinary feats such as composing poetry and designing spacecraft. Additionally, India seeks to expand the membership of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which currently includes 44 nations. By fostering collaboration between theoretical AI research and practical implementation, India envisions a future where AI innovation benefits all, especially developing nations. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and technological progress, India's leadership in the next global AI summit is set to shape the future of artificial intelligence governance... Read More at The New Indian Express Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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What Indian Americans think of Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs and impact on India
The article first appeared in Hindustan Times on Feb 5, 2025. Indian Americans have diverse opinions about former President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs, especially regarding their implications for both the United States and India. While some appreciated his strong stance on economic policies, others were critical of his restrictive immigration measures. One of the most contentious issues for Indian Americans and Trump was his administration’s approach to immigration. Many Indian professionals in the U.S. rely on H-1B visas, which saw increased scrutiny under Trump. His administration sought to tighten regulations, making it harder for new applicants and delaying green card processing. This created uncertainty among highly skilled Indian workers, many of whom had been waiting for permanent residency for years. On the other hand, some Indian Americans and Trump supporters felt that stricter immigration policies helped protect American jobs. They argued that prioritizing merit-based immigration could ultimately benefit Indian talent by favoring skilled professionals over family-based immigration systems. However, the overall sentiment in the Indian American community leaned towards disappointment, as many families faced delays and disruptions. Trade policies under Trump also affected the perception of Indian Americans. His administration imposed tariffs on Indian goods, leading to tensions between the two countries. In response, India retaliated with tariffs on American products, impacting both economies. Indian Americans and Trump’s economic strategies were often viewed as protectionist, which clashed with the interests of businesses relying on cross-border trade. Despite these challenges, some Indian Americans and Trump allies saw his push for fairer trade deals as beneficial in the long run. They believed that recalibrating trade relations could lead to a stronger partnership between the U.S. and India. However, businesses dependent on Indian exports, particularly in the IT and pharmaceutical industries, were affected by the policy shifts. While Trump maintained a close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his policies had mixed consequences for India. The focus on "America First" led to economic friction, but strategic ties, especially in defense and counterterrorism, remained strong. Many Indian Americans and Trump supporters acknowledged the strengthening of diplomatic relations but remained concerned about the economic impact... Read more at Hindustan Times Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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There’s a big, non-obvious Trump problem for India
This article first appeared in The Times of India on February 9, 2025. Donald Trump’s tariff policies have been a source of uncertainty for global markets, creating potential risks for investment and economic growth. His unpredictable approach to trade regulations and tariffs has sparked debates worldwide, with concerns that such actions could harm business confidence. For India, these policies pose specific challenges, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi works to stabilize trade relations and ensure a favorable investment climate. One of the key issues with Donald Trump’s tariff policies is their unpredictability. While he has occasionally held off on imposing tariffs, such as the temporary suspension of 25% duties on Canada and Mexico, his broader trade strategy suggests a strong inclination toward protectionism. This unpredictability makes it difficult for businesses to plan long-term investments, as sudden tariff impositions can disrupt supply chains and increase costs. Investors fear that these policies could slow down global economic growth by reducing cross-border trade efficiency. India, being a significant player in the global market, faces potential setbacks due to Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Increased tariffs on Indian goods could make exports less competitive in the US, one of India’s key trading partners. Additionally, higher import duties on essential raw materials could increase production costs for Indian manufacturers, affecting both domestic industries and export-driven sectors. The uncertainty surrounding US trade policies also impacts investor sentiment, making businesses more cautious about expanding operations or making long-term financial commitments. Beyond direct economic consequences, Trump's aggressive tariff approach strains diplomatic relations. Countries that have historically been close allies of the US have found themselves subject to abrupt tariff impositions, leading to tensions and retaliatory measures. This pattern raises concerns that even India, despite its strategic partnership with the US, could be subject to sudden trade restrictions. Modi’s administration must navigate these challenges carefully to protect India's economic interests while maintaining a stable relationship with the US. As global markets react to shifting trade policies, it is crucial for businesses to diversify supply chains and seek alternative trade routes to minimize risks. India can leverage its growing digital economy and strengthen trade partnerships with other countries to counterbalance potential losses from US tariff hikes. While the uncertainty surrounding US trade policies remains a challenge, a proactive approach in economic planning and policy adjustments can help India mitigate the negative effects and sustain long-term growth... Read More in The Times of India Find more Global Indian Top Reads
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Xavier Augustin
Global Indians are highly-skilled and dynamic risk-takers, the drivers of Brand India around the world. The stage is set and it belongs to you. What’s your story?