India's interests

Sir — This refers to the article, “H-1B visa threat is real. We must live with it” (April 29) by Hiranmay Karlekar. The writer has correctly analysed the protectist policies of US President Donald Trump. In his first address as the 45th US President Trump said, “We must protect our borders from the ravagers of other countries making our products, stealing our companies and destroying our jobs. He had further stated, “Protection will lead go great prosperity and strength.”

There is a trend world over to boost protectionist and emigrant policies. This will hurt free trade, migration of talent to developed economies, who are out to put more restrictions on accepting foreign labour to encourage local labour induction. Rightly, H-1B visa to the US will be threatened, which will affect world trade adversely. Hence, India must tighten its belts and move closer to its neighbours (except China, which is politically motivated presently) and improve trade ties with them. This will be in the interest of growth.