Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reignited a political storm on Saturday by repeating his “weak PM” charge soon after the United States announced a sharp $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. Sharing an older post on social platform X, Gandhi asked why New Delhi has stayed silent. His remarks quickly became the latest news headline across India news outlets as Washington tightened its immigration rules.
Latest News on the US Immigration Policy Shift
The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, confirmed the dramatic H-1B visa fee increase late Friday. The H-1B program allows American companies to employ foreign professionals in highly skilled roles, and Indian workers form the largest applicant group. Officials said the $100,000 fee is meant to discourage outsourcing and safeguard American jobs.
For India, the move has serious economic implications. Technology giants in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune rely heavily on the H-1B route to send engineers and developers to the United States. A sudden five-figure fee per application could discourage firms from hiring Indian professionals for U.S. projects, potentially reducing billions in annual revenue.
Industry Impact for Indian Tech Workforce
Experts warn that the new fee could alter hiring plans for major IT exporters. Companies may need to absorb significantly higher costs or pass them on to U.S. clients. Small and mid-sized tech firms could be the hardest hit, leading to fewer opportunities for skilled graduates.
Economic think tanks have estimated that Indian IT services generate nearly $150 billion in U.S. contracts each year. A steep visa cost might push companies to consider alternatives such as Canada or Europe, where immigration rules remain more flexible. This is why many industry leaders are urging swift diplomatic engagement.
Rahul Gandhi’s Renewed Criticism
Against this backdrop, Rahul Gandhi reposted his earlier statement accusing the government of weakness. “I repeat: India has a weak PM who cannot stand up to foreign pressure,” he wrote. By bringing back a past remark rather than issuing a new one, Gandhi signaled that the underlying problem, in his view, remains unresolved.
Supporters of the Congress party quickly echoed his concerns, arguing that India should respond firmly to protect its skilled workforce. Gandhi’s message spread across television debates and online India news platforms, ensuring that his criticism stayed at the center of national conversation.
Political Reactions in New Delhi
Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed Gandhi’s comments as political theater. A senior BJP spokesperson said visa rules are a sovereign matter for the United States and that the Indian government is already engaged in talks with Washington. According to officials, the Ministry of External Affairs has been assessing the economic fallout and will raise the issue through diplomatic channels when appropriate.
Political analysts point out that such exchanges are common in the run-up to national elections, when opposition parties look for opportunities to question the government’s global standing. Still, the size of the U.S. fee increase gives Gandhi’s accusation unusual weight, making it a key item in the latest news cycle.
Wider Context of US Immigration Policy
The H-1B hike is not an isolated step. It follows a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policy during Trump’s presidency, aimed at protecting domestic jobs. Similar restrictions on student visas and work permits have been introduced over the past year. Observers believe these measures could influence trade negotiations and strategic discussions between India and the United States in the months ahead.
Some economists warn that repeated policy changes create uncertainty for businesses. If Indian companies begin to scale back U.S. operations, both countries could feel the economic impact, from lost tax revenue in America to reduced export earnings in India.
Voices from the Technology Sector
Industry associations such as Nasscom have called for immediate dialogue with Washington. Executives from major software firms note that the fee could cost large companies tens of millions of dollars annually if not addressed. Smaller start-ups, which often depend on a few crucial H-1B hires, might simply withdraw from the U.S. market.
Several experts recommend that India expand domestic opportunities to retain top talent. They argue that creating high-quality jobs at home would reduce dependence on U.S. immigration policy and shield the economy from sudden foreign rule changes.
Diplomatic Path Ahead
Officials in New Delhi have said they are closely watching developments and will pursue a “measured, strategic response.” While no formal protest has been lodged yet, sources suggest that upcoming bilateral meetings will feature the H-1B issue prominently. Trade negotiators are expected to examine whether the new fee violates any existing agreements.
Foreign policy analysts predict that India will push for either a rollback or a phased approach to the fee. They note that Washington also benefits from Indian tech expertise, giving New Delhi leverage in any talks.
Public Sentiment and Domestic Debate
Among ordinary Indians, especially families planning to work in the United States, the news has created anxiety. Prospective applicants now face not only visa uncertainty but also a steep financial hurdle. Many are re-evaluating plans, while immigration consultants report a surge in inquiries about alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Final Outlook
This latest news surrounding the U.S. H-1B visa fee and Rahul Gandhi’s sharp criticism has brought foreign policy into India’s political spotlight. As the government weighs its next steps, attention remains on how it balances diplomatic engagement with protecting its skilled workforce. With India news channels continuing to track every statement, the coming weeks will show whether New Delhi can secure relief while navigating an evolving US immigration policy.
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