NEW DELHI: On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi led a strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to the announcement by the Trump-led US administration of a substantial $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, a move expected to significantly impact India’s technology workforce. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi labeled Modi a “weak PM,” accusing him of not defending Indian interests on the international stage.
In a post on X, Gandhi shared a previously made statement from 2017, declaring, “India has a weak PM,” and reiterated this sentiment by linking to articles related to the H-1B visa fee increase that threatens numerous Indian applicants.
The United States has raised the application fee for H-1B visas, making it mandatory for companies hiring foreign professionals to pay $100,000 per application. This development is anticipated to have far-reaching effects on Indian IT professionals and workers already in the US.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned Modi, remarking that, “Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call,” referencing Modi’s past interactions with Trump. Kharge cited Modi’s high-profile event with Trump in Ahmedabad during the latter’s previous presidential term.
Additionally, Kharge highlighted broader foreign policy issues, recalling Trump’s assertions of mediating peace between India and Pakistan, which escalated during Operation Sindoor.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi added to the critique on X, stating, “With the recent decision on H-1B visas, the American government has hit at the future of the best and brightest minds from India.” He contrasted Modi’s approach with that of former PM Manmohan Singh, who demonstrated assertiveness when an Indian diplomat faced insult in the US. Gogoi emphasized that Modi’s preference for “strategic silence and loud optics” is now detrimental to India’s national interests.
