Nifty 50, Sensex Today: Indian Markets Brace for Lower Open Amid H-1B Visa Hike and GST 2.0 Buzz

As Indian investors gear up for Monday's trading session on September 22, 2025, the mood appears cautious. The benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open lower, weighed down by the recent hike in U.S. H-1B visa fees announced by President Donald Trump. This policy shift has sparked worries about its ripple effects on India's IT sector, which relies heavily on skilled worker visas to the U.S.

Early indicators from the Gift Nifty, traded on the NSE International Exchange, reinforce the bearish sentiment. The index hovered around 25,320, marking a discount of nearly 91 points from the previous close of Nifty futures. Adding to the mix is the anticipation surrounding GST 2.0 reforms, with market participants eyeing potential changes that could reshape compliance and taxation for businesses across the board.

The visa fee increase could squeeze profit margins for major Indian IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, which send thousands of engineers abroad annually. While the exact impact remains to be seen, analysts suggest it might prompt a reevaluation of outsourcing strategies and talent deployment. On the domestic front, GST 2.0 discussions could bring both opportunities and challenges, particularly for small and medium enterprises adapting to new digital invoicing mandates.

Looking ahead, traders will keep a close eye on global cues, including U.S. market movements and any fresh policy announcements from India's finance ministry. For the full story and deeper analysis, check out the original article on Livemint.