India’s Outsourcing Industry Is Hesitant to Embrace Obama

Niraj Sheth reports from New Delhi on India’s reaction to the U.S. presidential election. Sen. Barack Obama ’s victory was met in India with amazement, mixed with hints of hesitation. Most Indians had been hoping for an Obama victory after eight years of a Republican administration few here admire. On Wednesday, that hope turned to excitement, as it sank in that the U.S. had elected a black man as President. “It’s a very historic moment for America and the world,” Anuj Gupta , a 34-year-old factory owner in New Delhi. “I didn’t think they could choose a black man. But the election has clearly proved what a great democracy the U.S. is.” But amid general excitement over a change in leadership in the U.S. is more than a hint of hesitation. During the long campaign, Obama took a stance against outsourcing, raising worries among people in India’s flagship industry, which gets nearly 60% of its revenue from U.S. companies. On the road, and in debates, Obama repeated that if elected, he ... (link)