Not just IT: How Indian firms quietly became a $40 billion force in America

Indian companies have expanded far beyond their traditional stronghold in information technology, now generating an estimated $40 billion in annual revenue from operations in the United States, according to a new analysis. The figure reflects a quiet but significant broadening of India's corporate footprint across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and other industries.

The $40 billion tally includes revenue from Indian-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, and direct exports to the U.S. market. While IT services remain a major component, sectors such as automotive components, specialty chemicals, and generic drugs have seen particularly strong growth. Companies like Tata Motors, through its Jaguar Land Rover unit, and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries have established substantial U.S. presences.

The report highlights that Indian firms now employ over 200,000 people in the United States, up from roughly 100,000 a decade ago. Many of these jobs are in high-skilled fields such as engineering, research, and management, reflecting a shift from back-office work to more integrated operations.

Analysts attribute the growth to a combination of factors, including India's improving business environment, a skilled workforce, and strategic acquisitions of American companies. Indian firms have also benefited from U.S. policies that encourage foreign investment, though some have faced increased scrutiny over visa programs and trade imbalances.

The trend is expected to continue, with Indian companies increasingly competing with established U.S. and multinational firms in their home market. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, currency fluctuations, and potential shifts in U.S. trade policy.