New Delhi, Sept. 22 -- The recent tightening of H-1B visa rules by the US marks a departure from traditional trade conflicts, opening a chapter where services-long thought to be less vulnerable than goods-are now on the frontline. For India, this development is more than an immigration issue; it is set to reshape strategic alignments in Asia.

Interestingly, Beijing last month introduced a K visa policy under which all foreign nationals, including those without a confirmed job, can enter China. For India, this open door policy has created an unusual point of convergence with China at a time of heightened geopolitical competition. Mint explains.

The US recently revised its H-1B visa framework, tightening eligibility norms, increasing the ...