Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, major US firms like Meta and Amazon have de-prioritized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, sparking a debate on meritocracy versus diversity. This shift raises questions about the future of DEI, especially as these firms scale back their diversity initiatives. Meanwhile, in India, DEI has steadily gained momentum since 2021, focusing on the inclusion of women and queer individuals. As India aims for a trillion-dollar economy, how should the country adapt its DEI strategies, and what lessons can be learned from the US retreat?