Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal said at the ET Startup Awards 2026 in Bengaluru that changes to the US H-1B visa regime will not hurt Indian companies or talent. Instead, he argued that tighter access to these visas could create a greater thrust for India’s startup ecosystem. The event, held this week, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to honour Indian entrepreneurship.
During a fireside chat at the awards, Goyal noted that many Indian businessmen are already operating successfully in the US, questioning what would have happened if they had conducted their business and research in India instead. He highlighted that the bulk of work is shifting to Indian cities like Bengaluru, Noida, Mumbai, and Hyderabad as companies establish global capability centres (GCCs) in India. Goyal also pointed out that the pandemic accelerated this trend by enabling remote work, reducing the need for physical presence abroad.
This shift aligns with broader trends in the Indian startup ecosystem, which has been gaining momentum as global companies recognize the value of Indian talent and infrastructure. The move could offset challenges posed by visa restrictions, helping retain and attract skilled professionals domestically. The event also celebrated startups like Groww and Meesho, whose leaders discussed the evolving responsibilities and expectations following their public listings, underscoring the growing maturity of India’s startup landscape.
The ET Startup Awards 2026 recognized several winners, including Groww as Startup of the Year and Manu Chandra of Sauce with the Midas Touch award, reflecting the vibrancy of India’s entrepreneurial scene. The event took place in Bengaluru, marking a key moment for the country’s tech and startup sectors.