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Modi, Narendra

India's Opposition Slams Modi Government Over Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Hike

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The decision by the US President Donald Trump to impose a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees has sparked outrage in India, with the opposition parties launching a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government. The move is expected to significantly affect Indian professionals, with 71% of those holding H-1B visas being Indians. The opposition parties have accused the government of being weak in dealing with the US and have questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to handle critical issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per year, which is expected to affect 71% of Indian professionals holding these visas.
  • The opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and AAP, have launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of being weak in dealing with the US.
  • The opposition parties have questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to handle critical issues and have criticized the government's foreign policy, saying it is more about "bear hugs, hollow slogans, concerts, and getting people to chant 'Modi, Modi'" than actual policy-making.
  • The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has reminded Prime Minister Modi of his 'Howdy Modi' campaign in the US and asked what did the Prime Minister achieve from it.
  • The AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has lashed out at Prime Minister Modi over Trump's shocking hike of H-1B visa fee, urging the Prime Minister to "at least do something".
  • Congress leader Pawan Khera has claimed that the Indian public is questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue, saying that "Crores of youth of this country are going to face a loss".

Statistics:

  • 71% of those holding H-1B visas are Indians (as per Rahul Gandhi's tweet).
  • $100,000 per year: the new annual fee on H-1B visas announced by the Trump administration.
  • 50%: the tariffs imposed by the US on Indian imports, which strained relations between the two countries.
  • 140 crore: the population of India, which Prime Minister Modi is referred to as being the leader of by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
  • 2019 and 2020: the years when PM Modi and Trump enjoyed a personal bond at large-scale events like "Howdy, Modi!" and "Namaste Trump!" respectively.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times.

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