New Delhi: Opposition leaders slammed the Narendra Modi government after US President Donald Trump announced a sharp hike in H-1B visa fees to USD 100,000 annually, a move expected to significantly impact Indian professionals in the United States. The fee hike, effective September 21, applies to both new and existing H-1B visa holders.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called Prime Minister Modi “weak” and reiterated his earlier criticism from 2017, questioning why the Prime Minister had not addressed the H-1B visa issue with then-US President Trump.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described the visa fee hike as a “return gift for PM Modi” and criticized India’s foreign policy approach, accusing the government of prioritizing photo opportunities and superficial diplomacy over safeguarding national interests.

Congress MP Manish Tewari alleged that the US is systematically acting against India, citing incidents like the premature ceasefire announcement influenced by Pakistan, US tariffs, and defense partnerships involving Pakistan, claiming these indicate deliberate belligerence toward India.

Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief, also criticized the government’s foreign policy as “weak,” questioning its preparedness to protect Indian IT and technology sector interests in the US.

He highlighted India’s dependence on other countries for essential goods, including oil, and alleged multiple economic missteps by the central government.

The H-1B visa fee hike is expected to directly affect Indian IT professionals and technology workers aiming to work in the United States, creating concerns across the sector about employment and mobility.