🌍 Nothing is Permanent in Today’s Geopolitics

🌎 H-1B Visa Registration Fee Hike, What It Means for NRIs

The recent hike in H-1B visa registration fees by the US government highlights a clear message: the US no longer wants large inflows of visa applicants, but is focusing on quality over quantity.

The earlier era, when many Indians would go to the US on an H-1B visa and wait 10–15 years for a Green Card, is coming to an end. With rising political shifts and increasing uncertainty under Mr. Trump’s leadership, long-term residency in the US is no longer guaranteed or even attractive for many.

🔎 What’s Changing?

Visa costs rising → Filtering out applications, reducing inflows.

Green Card backlog → Long wait times remain, with little hope of faster approvals.

Uncertainty in policies → Rules can change anytime, creating insecurity for overseas residents.

Vote bank politics → Immigration has become a tool for elections, not a stable long-term policy.

💡 Impact on Overseas Residents

Even those settled for decades in the US are realizing that the dream of permanent residency is more fragile than before.

The feeling of “desperation” for a Green Card is reducing, as the risks and costs are rising.

Many NRIs are now questioning: “Is it worth waiting endlessly in an uncertain system?”

📈 What NRIs Should Do

Don’t put all eggs in one basket: Depending only on the US for career, residency, and wealth can be risky.

Create an alternative base: Consider India or other countries that welcome skilled professionals and investors.

Diversify investments: Spread wealth across different countries, asset classes (equity, debt, real estate, global funds).

Protect your Plan B: Be ready for any sudden changes in residency or earning opportunities.

✅ Strategic Takeaway

The world has changed. The US no longer guarantees long-term stability for overseas residents. This is the right time for NRIs to rethink, rebalance, and diversify — both in life planning and financial investments.

📌 Bottom Line: A secure future is built on multiple pillars — not just one country, one residency, or one asset class.

👤 Akshay Tiwari

Next Portfolio

🌐 www.nextportfolioindia.com

📜 AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor

Portfolio Diversification is like Cricket Team

Why Diversification Is the True Strength of Your Portfolio

When investors look at their portfolio, a common question arises:

“This scheme is doing very well, but why are the other ones not performing the same way?”

It’s a fair question. But here’s the truth: a strong portfolio is not built for every scheme to perform equally at the same time. It is built for balance, stability, and long-term wealth creation.

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The Cricket Team Analogy

Think of your portfolio like a cricket team.

• You don’t expect every player to score a century in every match.

• The opener may take big risks to score quickly, while the middle-order batsman plays carefully to build stability.

• The bowler doesn’t score runs at all—but is absolutely crucial for winning matches.

• The wicketkeeper may not hit big shots, but his consistency and safe hands are essential for the team’s success.

And remember—even the best players fail sometimes. Virat Kohli might get out for zero in a match or go through a rough patch, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the greatest players. Similarly, if one scheme underperforms in a certain period, it doesn’t mean it has lost its value.

A cricket team wins because of collective performance, not because of one star. In the same way, your portfolio succeeds when all schemes work together in their own roles.

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Why Every Scheme Doesn’t Perform the Same

Each mutual fund or investment scheme follows a different strategy. Its performance depends on many factors, such as:

• Market conditions – Different sectors shine at different times.

• Sector allocation – IT may perform well during a technology boom, while banking may shine when interest rates are favorable.

• Stock allocation – A few chosen stocks can significantly impact performance.

• Risk level – Some funds take higher risks for higher returns, while others focus on steady, calculated growth.

This is why one scheme may deliver extraordinary returns in a given year while others appear average. The high-performing scheme may simply be positioned in the right sector at the right time—or it may be taking greater risks. The others are not “bad performers”; they are playing their roles to provide stability and balance.

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The Real Purpose of Diversification

Diversification is like insurance for your investments.

• If you only put money into the top-performing scheme, you might enjoy big gains today—but also face high risks tomorrow if conditions change.

• By spreading your investments across different schemes, sectors, and strategies, you protect yourself from sharp downturns.

• Some schemes will give growth, others will give stability, and some will act as a cushion during tough market phases.

This mix is what allows your wealth to grow steadily and sustainably over time.

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The Big Picture

When you evaluate your investments, don’t judge them scheme by scheme. Instead, look at your portfolio as a whole.

At any point in time, a few schemes will lead, while others will quietly protect your capital. Together, they ensure that your portfolio is well-balanced, resilient, and aligned with your long-term goals.

Just like a cricket team doesn’t depend on one player to win every match, your portfolio doesn’t rely on one scheme. Diversification is the real strength behind consistent wealth creation.

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Akshay Tiwari
Next Portfolio
🌐 www.nextportfolioindia.com

AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor

 

U.S.–India Tensions and the Emerging Strategic Realignment

🌍 U.S.–India Tensions and the Emerging Strategic Realignment

Immediate Challenges

U.S. Tariffs Bite: 50% duties on Indian exports could shrink trade by $55–60 billion annually, hitting textiles, gems, shrimp, and auto parts.

Market Volatility: Rupee at historic lows, ~$2.4 billion in FII outflows in three sessions, with August marking the sharpest sell-off of 2025.

GDP Growth Risks: Moody’s projects up to 0.7% drag on GDP, though S&P expects resilience given India’s domestic demand strength.

Emerging Benefits & Opportunities

1. Energy Security & Cost Advantage

Discounted Russian Oil: India secures crude at 20–30% cheaper than global benchmarks, stabilizing domestic inflation and energy costs.

Diversified Energy Basket: Reduces dependency on Middle Eastern oil and U.S. LNG, strengthening long-term supply security.

2. Stronger Multipolar Position

Strategic Autonomy: India asserts independence—balancing U.S. ties with deeper SCO/BRICS engagement.

Voice of Global South: With China & Russia, India gains leverage in shaping alternative trade/finance structures like the proposed SCO development bank.

3. New Market Access

China Trade Reset: Revival of flights, visa relaxation, and expanded trade routes could unlock billions in bilateral flows.

Russia Corridor Advantage: The Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor cuts shipping time by 40%, reducing costs for energy and defense imports.

South-South Trade Expansion: India is diversifying exports to Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN, reducing reliance on the U.S. market.

4. Domestic Economic Upside

Industrial Push: Tariffs accelerate “Make in India” programs, spurring MSME participation and PLI scheme adoption.

Currency Competitiveness: A weaker rupee makes Indian IT, pharmaceuticals, and services exports more competitive globally.

FDI Rebalancing: Non-U.S. investors (Japan, EU, Middle East) see India as a hedge against China and a key growth hub.

5. Technology & Defense Synergies

Russia & China Tech Collaboration: Opportunities in energy, AI, green tech, and defense R&D.

Indigenization Boost: Push for domestic defense production strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.

Strategic Outlook

Risk Opportunity

Risk: Short-term export losses due to U.S. tariffs

Opportunity: Cheaper energy imports, stable inflation

Risk: Rupee depreciation, capital outflows

Opportunity:  More competitive Indian services & IT exports

Risk: Trade volatility with U.S. Market

Opportunity: Access via SCO, BRICS, and South-South corridors

Risk: Pressure on GDP growth

Opportunity: Domestic reform acceleration + PLI, GST reform, FDI inflows

Summary

 Despite near-term pain from U.S. tariffs, India is turning adversity into opportunity. By securing discounted Russian oil, improving ties with China, and accelerating market diversification through SCO and BRICS platforms, India is positioning itself as a resilient, multipolar leader. A weaker rupee and stronger domestic reforms also enhance competitiveness, offering long-term benefits even as U.S. tensions remain.

Akshay Tiwari

Next Portfolio

🌐 www.nextportfolioindia.com

AMFI Registered Mutual Fund Distributor