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call-center workers. Initial indignation morphed into

reluctant acceptance, and outsourcing to India has

become such a part of our culture that it inspire

In a move that signifies one of the quirkier things happening to the global economy, outsourcing companies in India (where more than a third of the country lives on $1.25 a day) are starting to open centers and hire employees in the

U.S. (where minimum wage is $7.25 an hour).

Salaries are rising 10% a year in India, so labor isn’t as cheap as it used to be.“Near-sourcing” saves these firms the travel expenses of flying workers from India to the U.S. to meet their clients.They gain efficiency by preventing mistakes that occur due to unfamiliarity with American culture.The companies can access new markets, such as healthcare companies, government agencies, utility companies and defense contractors that don’t want sensitive data leaving the U.S.Having bases around the world means they can do work around the clock.

This new trend is a positive sign in that it shows that American workers still have skills that Indian workers can’t match—and that Indian companies are willing to pay extra for it. The firms are supplying good jobs now, and plan to expand their U.S. outposts, creating even more opportunities in the future