New Delhi: The recent hike in H-1B visa fees announced by former US President Donald Trump has sparked a political storm in India, with senior Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav launching sharp attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they termed as “diplomatic failure” and “silence on issues affecting Indian professionals abroad.”
The H-1B visa fee hike, which significantly increases the cost for Indian tech workers and companies operating in the US, has drawn widespread criticism from the Indian diaspora and IT industry.
The Opposition has seized the moment to question the Modi government’s foreign policy effectiveness and its handling of Indian interests on the global stage.
Rahul Gandhi’s Critique
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to express his disapproval, stating that the Modi government has failed to protect the interests of Indian professionals working in the US. He accused the Prime Minister of prioritising photo ops over substantive diplomacy and said, “When it comes to real issues like visa hikes that affect lakhs of Indian families, the PM chooses silence.”
Gandhi also questioned the government’s lack of preparedness and response, suggesting that India should have proactively engaged with the US administration to prevent such a move.
Akhilesh Yadav Joins Chorus
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed similar sentiments, criticising the Modi government for its “passive diplomacy”. He said, “The H-1B visa fee hike is not just an economic issue — it’s a matter of national pride and the future of our youth. The government’s failure to act shows how disconnected it is from the aspirations of young Indians.”
Yadav further added that the move would hurt thousands of Indian students and professionals who dream of working in the US and called for a stronger diplomatic push to reverse the decision.
Political Ramifications
The Opposition’s coordinated attack comes at a time when the Modi government is already facing scrutiny over domestic economic challenges and rising unemployment. The H-1B issue has added an international dimension to the criticism, with Opposition parties portraying the government as ineffective in safeguarding Indian interests abroad.
While the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue a formal response, sources indicate that diplomatic channels are being activated to engage with US officials and assess the impact of the visa fee hike.
Industry Concerns
India’s IT sector, which relies heavily on H-1B visas for talent mobility, has expressed concern over the increased financial burden. Industry leaders have urged the government to intervene and negotiate a more favourable framework for Indian professionals.