New Delhi, Sep 20: The Congress on Saturday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the US announcement of a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas for highly skilled workers. Party leaders accused the Prime Minister of being a “weak leader” whose preference for “strategic silence” and “loud optics” has jeopardised India’s national interests.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said foreign policy is about safeguarding India’s priorities and maintaining an “India First” approach, not orchestrating high-profile events or slogans. Highlighting reports that the H-1B visa hike would disproportionately impact Indian professionals, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote on X, “I repeat, India has a weak PM.”
Kharge further criticised Modi’s diplomacy, stating, “Bear hugs, hollow slogans, concerts, and getting people to chant ‘Modi, Modi’ is not foreign policy. Foreign policy requires wisdom, balance, and a focus on India’s long-term interests.” He added that the new visa fee could affect sectors accounting for an estimated Rs 2.17 lakh crore.
Congress leaders also cited the HIRE Act and the lifting of exemptions at Iran’s Chabahar port as setbacks to India’s strategic and economic interests. Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, emphasised that Modi’s “strategic silence” is now a liability for India’s brightest minds seeking opportunities abroad.
Pawan Khera highlighted on X that Rahul Gandhi had flagged similar concerns in 2017, underscoring that the issue has persisted without resolution.
The H-1B visa programme, originally intended to supplement the US workforce with high-skilled talent, has been exploited to replace lower-paid American workers, according to US President Donald Trump, who signed the proclamation raising fees to USD 100,000 annually.