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In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. US President Donald Trump said that highly skilled Indian professionals are always welcome in the United States. The remarks from the American leader came while he was answering a question posed by CNN-News18 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday.
“Highly skilled Indians will get more opportunities," Trump said while responding to CNN-News18. He also described India as a country with “very talented people" and said the two nations “cannot be closer." Interestingly, the remarks from Trump came after the US Supreme Court struck down a proposal that would have imposed a $100,000 federal fee on companies hiring H-1B visa holders.
The proposal drew sharp backlash from Indian professionals and major American technology firms since its introduction earlier this year. However, Trump did not announce specific policies to promote inclusion of foreign professionals, and his stance on the matter remains unambiguous.
It is pertinent to note that Indian nationals account for the overwhelming majority of H-1B visa approvals each year, which means any movement in US skilled immigration policy would have immediate weight back home for technology professionals, engineers, researchers, and healthcare workers with American career aspirations.
During the joint press conference, Trump described PM Modi as one of the toughest negotiators he has ever seen.
When asked about the trade ties, the American president made it clear that the two sides were “very close" to a deal, indicating that economic cooperation remains a live and active thread in the bilateral agenda.
“Highly skilled Indians will get more opportunities," Trump said while responding to CNN-News18. He also described India as a country with “very talented people" and said the two nations “cannot be closer." Interestingly, the remarks from Trump came after the US Supreme Court struck down a proposal that would have imposed a $100,000 federal fee on companies hiring H-1B visa holders.
President Trump Responds to Two Questions from Network18
1. What role does the United States expect India to play in West Asia?
2. Will there be more opportunities for Indians in the United States? pic.twitter.com/MFYFNqwKVx
— Siddhant Mishra (@siddhantvm) June 17, 2026
The proposal drew sharp backlash from Indian professionals and major American technology firms since its introduction earlier this year. However, Trump did not announce specific policies to promote inclusion of foreign professionals, and his stance on the matter remains unambiguous.
Indian nationals contribute significantly
It is pertinent to note that Indian nationals account for the overwhelming majority of H-1B visa approvals each year, which means any movement in US skilled immigration policy would have immediate weight back home for technology professionals, engineers, researchers, and healthcare workers with American career aspirations.
During the joint press conference, Trump described PM Modi as one of the toughest negotiators he has ever seen.
When asked about the trade ties, the American president made it clear that the two sides were “very close" to a deal, indicating that economic cooperation remains a live and active thread in the bilateral agenda.

















