Reacting To Fee
The Indian government has expressed its reaction to the US's new H-1B visa rules, which include a significant increase in fees. The Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) responded to the $100,000 fee, primarily affecting Indian professionals who constitute a major portion of H-1B visa holders. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the crucial role that skilled talent mobility and exchanges have played in fostering technology development, innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness for both the United States and India. He stated that India would continue its engagement with all stakeholders, including industry representatives, and expressed hopes that these factors would receive appropriate consideration. Furthermore, the MEA and the Indian embassy in Washington, D.C., are actively communicating with the Trump administration regarding the new H-1B visa regulations. Jaiswal noted that the situation is evolving, and India remains engaged at multiple levels to address the concerns.
Engagement and Dialogue
The Indian government's response reflects an ongoing commitment to address the new US H-1B visa rules. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2025. The focus of these discussions included trade and tariffs. Jaishankar mentioned that both leaders discussed a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. The leaders agreed on the importance of continued engagement to advance priority areas. This dialogue highlights the importance of sustained interaction between India and the United States to address complex issues. The discussions are taking place amidst ongoing India-US trade negotiations in Washington, where Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is leading the Indian side. This situation marks a shift in tone from the US side as Trump announced that his team was continuing negotiations to address trade barriers with New Delhi.
Impact and Implications
The increase in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 is likely to have a significant impact, particularly on Indian workers. The Trump administration says that the rule is intended to prevent abuse of the H-1B program and to safeguard American jobs. According to the order, some US workers have been replaced by cheaper foreign labor, especially in the tech sector. However, India maintains that labor exchanges have contributed to the economic development of both countries. The new fee has led to concerns about its potential effects on the flow of skilled talent and its repercussions for both the Indian and US economies. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, citing Russian oil purchases. The MEA has provided details on the meeting that was held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2025. The meeting came as India-US ties were strained following Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian imports.
