India Expresses Concern Over US H-1B Visa Fee Hike; Nasscom Warns of Impact
The United States administration's new policy to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B worker visa applications has drawn significant attention and concern from India. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Saturday, September 20, 2025, that the move is likely to have "humanitarian consequences" and warned of "potential disruptions for families" affected by the policy. New Delhi hopes these disruptions can be "addressed suitably" by US authorities, and the government is currently studying the full implications of the policy.
Industry body Nasscom, representing India's $283 billion IT and business process outsourcing sector, also voiced its concerns on Saturday. Nasscom indicated that the increase in the H-1B visa application fee would impact India's technology services companies, as business continuity for onshore projects might be disrupted, necessitating "adjustments". The apex body also highlighted concerns over the rapid implementation timeline, noting that a one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students globally.
The Congress party targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling him a "weak PM" in light of the H-1B visa fee hike. However, a White House official clarified that the $100,000 fee will be a one-time payment and will only apply to new visa applicants, not to current visa holders or those seeking renewals. H-1B visas enable companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills, such as scientists, engineers, and computer programmers, to work in the US, initially for three years and extendable to six years. India was the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas last year, accounting for 71 percent of approved applicants.
PM Modi Emphasizes Self-Reliance: Dependence on Other Nations is India's "Only Enemy"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his strong call for 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) on Saturday, September 20, 2025, asserting that dependence on other countries is India's primary enemy. Speaking at the 'Samudra se Samruddhi' event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 34,200 crore, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for India to produce everything domestically, "from (semiconductor) chips to ships".
PM Modi framed national self-reliance as a crucial legal and policy priority, urging domestic production across various sectors. He highlighted that around 50 years ago, 40 percent of the country's trade was conducted through India-made ships, a figure that has now reduced to just 5 percent. The Prime Minister stressed that his government has taken a historic decision to strengthen India's maritime sector by recognizing large ships as infrastructure, affirming that "India's ports are the backbone of our nation's rise as a global maritime powerhouse".