Shashi Tharoor (File photo)
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday highlighted the lack of engagement from the Indian-American community on issues affecting India, such as H-1B visa restrictions and trade tariffs, as he welcomed a visiting US Congressional delegation in New Delhi.Tharoor said the five-member delegation, all Democrats with four of them from California expressed “tremendous interest in India” and reiterated that the US Congress continues to value and support the India–US strategic partnership. Some members of the delegation were headed by Ami Bera, who is of Indian origin, and they shared similar views.
“We had a very good visit from a US Congressional delegation which consisted of five members of the US House of Congress. They spoke very warmly and positively of the relationship, and the most important message that came out was that a lot of American opinion, including in Congress, is strongly committed to the Indian relationship despite recent setbacks like the H1-B visa issue, the 50% tariff setback and the sanctions on Chabahar Port,” Tharoor said. However, the Congress leader also questioned why the Indian-American diaspora had not been vocal on these matters. He pointed out that one of the visiting congresswomen said she had not received a single phone call from any Indian-American voter urging her to support a change of policy.“This is something that is surprising,” Tharoor remarked, adding that the diaspora must speak up if they truly care about India. “If you care about the relationship with your motherland, then you also have to fight for it, speak for it and press your political representatives to stand up for India.” Tharoor noted that the delegation members were already “friends of India” and “well disposed” towards the country. He said the US lawmakers also praised the strength and resilience of the Indian economy and highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora, even as concerns were raised over the Trump administration’s steep hike of the H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000.Other issues raised in the meeting included the US sanctions waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port, which is being developed by India and the 50% tariff on Indian goods. Some US lawmakers criticised the Trump administration for these decisions.“India is valued, and they remain determined to strengthen the relationship despite the recent setbacks we are familiar with,” Tharoor said.The new US policy on H-1B visas has introduced a one-time fee of USD 100,000 for new applicants, which does not apply to existing holders or renewals and is not an annual recurring charge. US President Donald Trump had also imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, doubling duties on key exports such as garments, gems and jewellery, footwear, furniture and chemicals. The move was seen as a major setback for Indian exporters and trade ties.A parliamentary panel on Tuesday raised concerns over recent US decisions affecting India during an interaction with a visiting delegation of US Congresspersons. The session, held at the Parliament House Annexe Extension Building was chaired by Tharoor.
