Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharpened his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump announced a steep USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, a move that could significantly impact Indian professionals working in the United States.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi recalled his 2017 remarks on the same issue, stating, “I repeat, India has a weak PM.”
Senior Congress leaders echoed his criticism, alleging that the Modi government had failed to safeguard India’s interests. Manish Tewari said the visa decision was part of a “deliberate and systematic” belligerence by the US towards India. He cited recent developments, including a premature ceasefire linked to Pakistan, high US tariffs, and growing Pakistan-Saudi defence ties, as signs of Washington’s shifting stance.
Party leader Pawan Khera claimed the Prime Minister’s silence was hurting India’s youth. “Rahul Gandhi had warned the PM back in 2017, but he chose to remain silent. Today crores of young Indians will suffer. Trump insults us daily, yet PM Modi doesn’t respond. The country is questioning his leadership,” Khera said.
The Congress’ criticism follows Trump’s presidential proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, which takes effect from September 21. The order not only imposes the hefty H-1B fee but also mandates proof of payment during petition filings, with enforcement by the US Departments of State and Homeland Security.
The Trump administration argues the overhaul is meant to curb misuse of the H-1B programme by IT outsourcing firms accused of undercutting American wages, while also citing national security risks. Limited exemptions will apply only in cases deemed of national interest.
Experts say the hike could hurt India’s IT services sector, long dependent on onsite projects in the US, but may accelerate the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) within India.
