Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp attack on the government on Saturday, seizing on Washington’s decision to impose a steep $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, which he described as a “birthday return gift” from US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The criticism came days after Trump extended greetings to Modi on his 75th birthday, during which he thanked the Indian leader for his support in efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
“Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call. Birthday Return Gifts from your ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ Govt! USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, hits Indian tech workers the hardest, 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders are Indians,” Kharge posted on X.
The Congress leader further alleged that India’s foreign policy has drifted away from protecting national interest and is being reduced to “bear hugs, hollow slogans, concerts”.
“Indian National interests are Supreme. Bear Hugs, Hollow Slogans, Concerts and getting people to chant ‘Modi, Modi’ is not Foreign Policy! Foreign policy is about safeguarding our NATIONAL INTERESTS; keeping INDIA FIRST, and steering friendships with wisdom and balance. It cannot be reduced to superficial bravado that risks undermining our long-term standing,” he said.
Kharge pointed to a series of recent US measures which, he claimed, have damaged India’s economic and strategic interests. He cited the HIRE Act targeting outsourcing, a 50 per cent tariff that could cost the country ₹2.17 lakh crore in losses across 10 sectors, and the withdrawal of exemption for the Chabahar port project. He also referred to Trump’s oft-repeated assertion that his intervention had stopped a war between India and Pakistan.
Also read: No US entry for H1B staff without 100K fee from Sunday
“50 per cent tariff already imposed, a loss of ₹2.17 Lakh crore to India is already estimated in 10 sectors alone. HIRE Act targeting Indian outsourcing. Chabahar port exemption lifted, a loss to our strategic interests. Even a call for the EU to impose 100% tariff on Indian goods! Trump again recently claims (for the umpteen time!) that his intervention stopped the India-Pak war,” Kharge added.
Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate echoed the criticism, saying the visa fee hike would choke opportunities for Indian professionals and shrink remittance flows from the United States.
“There will be fewer job opportunities that will now be available for Indians, especially at the junior level and fresh graduates. In 2024, India received $32 billion in remittances from the US, which is about 27.7% of total remittances received. US Big Tech is the biggest sponsor of H-1B. But this fee surge will dissuade US companies to sponsor Indian workers. This is especially a body blow for the tech industry, which hardly has any jobs in India for Techies. Engineers are applying for non-engineering and low grade jobs,” she posted on X.
The visa proclamation, titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, takes effect on September 21. Framed as a crackdown on “systemic abuse”, it marks one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive interventions in the programme and places heavy financial and compliance burdens on companies, particularly in technology and IT.
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