US visa curbs, AI surge shape cautious outlook for Indian IT in 2026
Ah, 2026. The year Indian IT might finally realize that 'global workforce' sometimes means 'local talent, but really, really smart robots.' With US visa curbs tightening like a bad metaphor and AI surging faster than venture capital at a tech conference, the sector isn't just navigating headwinds; it's practically learning to fly a kite in a hurricane. One has to wonder if 'cautious outlook' is just polite speak for 'we're bracing for impact, but at least our new AI tools will write the apologies.'
Indeed, India’s formidable $280 billion IT sector is charting a course toward 2026 fraught with complexities. The landscape is being redefined by increasingly stringent US visa regulations, which constrain vital talent mobility, alongside broader global trade pressures that demand new operational efficiencies. In a strategic pivot, businesses are rapidly re-allocating significant resources into artificial intelligence, not merely for automation but to drive innovation, enhance service delivery, and develop higher-value, specialized solutions that can command premium rates and mitigate the impact of traditional talent sourcing challenges.
