Tata’s Big Moves: Continuity, Cash, and a Visa U‑Turn

Why Chandrasekaran’s extra run matters

This is a gutsy call. N Chandrasekaran is getting a third executive term as Chairman of Tata Sons — and he’s staying on past the usual 65‑year retirement line. That’s a first for the group, and it’s happening because the Trusts believe the conglomerate needs steady hands to finish huge bets: semiconductor investments, electric‑vehicle battery factories, and the messy but important Air India turnaround.

Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are internal tensions about whether Tata Sons should stay private or move toward a different ownership structure. The Trusts’ choice to back Chandrasekaran seems like a bet on execution over process. I get that move. Big transitions need a steady pilot. But it also raises governance questions: bending retirement norms to keep one leader might set a precedent that could be risky later.

Tata Capital’s hot debut — a sign of faith

Tata Capital listed on the NSE and closed at Rs 330 a share. That IPO itself raised Rs 15k crore, making it one of the larger listings this year. This wasn’t just a finance event; it’s a message for investors seem to trust Tata’s financial arm.

What matters: being public changes expectations. Tata Capital now has to prove sustainable growth and responsible practices in the glare of markets. If it executes, it could become a cornerstone of the group’s financial playbook. If it slips, scrutiny will come fast.

TCS and the H-1B pivot — the ripple you’ll feel

This is big for tech hiring worldwide. TCS announced it will stop hiring new H‑1B applicants for the US. CEO K. Krithivasan says they already have enough H‑1B workers — they hired 5k+ H‑1B holders in 2025 alone — and now plan to grow local teams instead. The company’s pivot ties to new AI projects that need closer client engagement and diverse skills.

Analysts think other large Indian IT players might follow. That could mean fewer H‑1B filings overall, and a slower flow of new foreign hires into American tech desks. For workers, it changes career paths; for firms, it means rethinking talent pipelines.

This trio of moves — Chandrasekaran’s continuity, Tata Capital going public, and TCS’s hiring switch — tells a single story: the Tata Group is choosing stability and execution over neat rules. That might be exactly what they need right now. But it also means the group is betting its future on concentrated leadership and big strategic plays — and if those plays don’t pay off, the consequences could be huge.