India monitors H-1B backlash in US, in touch with top IT firms for more clarity

Donald Trump

Centre is closely monitoring the situation in the US regarding the backlash against Indian H-1B visa holders, particularly those in IT and management roles. Key ministries, including External Affairs, Commerce and IT, are tracking developments to ensure no issues arise for Indians working legally in the US.

Officials are also keeping an eye on changes to US visa policies, especially for skilled professionals, as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.

The Ministry of External Affairs is receiving regular updates from the Indian mission in the US to stay informed, according to a report in The Times of India.

The newspaper quoted its sources in a report: "We shouldn't have a situation where there is an unpleasant issue which is created for our Indian workers who are (working) there legally. That is something that the government is constantly concerned about."

"We would like to make sure that our competitive position in that regard is not affected. And definitely that other factors should not come in the way of legal frameworks, even from an American setup," the sources added.

The report said that the government also wants to highlight how multi-national companies - including from the US - are setting up global capability centres (GCCs) in India, in a clear pointer to the need to have qualified Indian professionals in their midst. The fact that they are setting up GCCs in India shows that they are keen to hire qualified Indian workers for cutting-edge work, sources further added.

The backlash has intensified following Trump’s appointment of Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan as Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI. Critics, like far-right activist Laura Loomer, claim H-1B visa holders are taking jobs from Americans, clashing with Trump’s "America First" agenda.

However, Loomer's attacks were slammed by both Trump and Elon Musk. Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said, "I've always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. That's why we have them... I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program."