Europe’s right-wing, populist surge threatens India’s trade and talent pipeline

The UK workforce has seen a significant increase in foreign-born workers, with a rise from 9% to 19% over the past two decades, totaling around 6.2 million people by the end of 2022. Skilled talent from countries like India, China, and Pakistan has contributed to this influx, with challenges arising from anti-immigration sentiments.

For India, the movement of skilled professionals is crucial for trade pacts negotiation. However, right-wing populism, as seen through Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party in the UK, poses challenges to immigration policies and affects the movement of talent internationally.

With the potential disruption in cross-border talent movement, the economic growth of countries like India and the UK could be severely impacted. The rise of right-wing populism in Europe also adds to the complexity of immigration issues, requiring a balance between national security concerns and maintaining a welcoming environment for skilled professionals.