Office space: US policy shift may shake demand in India

The adverse impact of demonetisation on the real estate sector towards the fag end of the year notwithstanding, the year 2016 witnessed a 9 per cent jump in office space leasing. While the information technology-enabled services (ITeS) sector was a big driver for projected growth in the coming months, there could be some challenges ahead, with the biggest concern emanating from possible policy changes by the new US administration following the election of Donald Trump as the President. Trump has clearly outlined a policy of protectionism and if the US were to change its policy on outsourcing, there could be a significant dent to the demand for office space from American companies in India, especially in the IT and ITeS space.

Read more: Indian Express