'We are not an India-out company': Tata Tech CEO says Trump's H-1B hike won't hurt operations

Tata Technologies remains unperturbed by the recent increase in H-1B visa fees announced by the Trump administration, according to CEO Warren Harris. He stated that the company's global hiring strategy, which prioritizes local talent in various countries, has effectively shielded it from immediate adverse effects. Harris explained to PTI that while the elevated annual fee for H-1B visas, now set at $100,000, is concerning for many Indian IT firms, Tata Technologies is structured differently. "We are not an India-out company; we view ourselves as a truly global entity, employing a majority of locals in each territory where we operate," he emphasized. The CEO highlighted that this approach allows Tata Technologies to maintain a stable operational framework. For instance, American nationals lead the company's operations in the U.S., while local teams manage other regions, in contrast to many Indian competitors who are more reliant on sending talent from India. While acknowledging that the visa fee hike will necessitate adjustments to future hiring strategies, Harris affirmed that there would be no immediate disruptions. "We recognize the challenges posed by the new policy, but our current operations remain unaffected," he noted. As of the latest fiscal quarter, Tata Technologies boasted a workforce of 12,402 employees across 18 countries. Harris shared that their goal is to ensure that about 70% of employees in any given country are nationals of that region, fostering strong relationships with clients and leveraging the capabilities developed in India. On another note, Harris discussed the impact of U.S. tariffs, which initially created uncertainty among clients regarding their product strategies and supply chains. However, he believes that most of the necessary adjustments have already been made. In financial terms, Tata Technologies reported a 5.14% increase in consolidated profit after tax, reaching Rs 165.5 crore for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, compared to Rs 157.41 crore in the same period the previous year. Additionally, consolidated revenue surged to Rs 1,323.33 crore from Rs 1,296.45 crore year-on-year.