Opposition slams Centre over Trump's H-1B visa fee hike move after tariff setback

New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 21, 2025 02:06 IST

In a move that could hit thousands of Indian professionals in the United States, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000 (around 90 lakh). The hike, which takes effect on September 21, has sparked sharp criticism from Indian opposition parties, who accuse the Narendra Modi government of failing to protect national interests.

CONGRESS SLAMS US ‘BELLIGERENCE’

Congress Lok Sabha leader, Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “weak.”"I repeat, India has a weak PM,"he wrote on X.

He claimed crores of young Indians would suffer due to the steep fee hike while the Prime Minister remained silent.

Congress leader Manish Tewari alleged that Washington is deliberately adopting a hostile stance toward New Delhi. Referring to the visa fee hike, trade tariffs and US-Pakistan ties, Tewari said these were part of a systematic pattern of pressure on India. He warned that such actions could damage long-term India–US relations.

SAMAJWADI PARTY CALLS POLICY ‘WEAK’

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed India’s foreign policy “weak” and questioned the Centre’s preparedness to deal with the fallout. Highlighting India’s dependence on imports such as oil and fertilisers, he argued that repeated missteps had left the economy vulnerable.

AAP LEADERS TARGET PM MODI

AAP MP Raghav Chadha wrote, "I had foreseen this in February 2025 and predicted this would happen. With the new proclamation hiking H-1B visa fees to $100,000/year, the U.S. risks pricing out thousands of talented Indian professionals who’ve long been the backbone of its tech and innovation sectors. Now, more than ever, India must invest deeply in its own innovation and skill ecosystem, creating world-class labs, startups and opportunities right here at home. Our engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs can turn this disruption into a moment of strength fuelling growth if channelled and dealt with correctly." He urged India to invest in homegrown innovation and create opportunities domestically.

Party chief Arvind Kejriwal went a step further, asking on social media if the Prime Minister of 140 crore people was “helpless”, “Prime Minister ji, kuchh toh karo (do something at least),” he tweeted on X. He pressed Modi to act decisively instead of remaining silent.

OWAISI REVIVES ‘HOWDY MODI’ DEBATE

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi recalled Modi’s past camaraderie with Trump. He stated, "My complaint is not against Trump, he did what he wanted. My quarrel is with this government: what did you achieve with Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump? All those NRIs that you gathered in the Madison Square garden, what did that achieve?,"

The H-1B programme, dominated by Indian engineers and IT professionals, has long been crucial for the US tech industry. With fees now raised exponentially from earlier levels of $1,000–5,000, experts warn the change could severely impact Indian jobseekers abroad and further strain bilateral ties.

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