NEW DELHI: India responded cautiously to the US move, saying it was likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families. It also expressed hope that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by US authorities. The Indian response seemed intended to avoid any confrontation, and said industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward. “The full implications… are being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to H-1B program,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.Reacting to the US move on H-1B visas, the minis- try of external affairs Friday said that skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, in- novation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the US and India. “Policy makers will there- fore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people- to-people ties between the two countries,” said the official. According to government sources, mobility of skilled profession- als benefited both countries as it contributed immensely to the economic and technology partnership between them. India remains closely engaged with the US on all is- sues relating to movement of Indian professionals, in- cluding those under the H-1B visa programme through the appropriate India-US bilat- eral dialogue mechanism. Indian nationals received 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued by the US for fiscal year 2023. Seeking better access for Indian professionals in the US, the Modi govt in the past, too, raised H-1B & L-1 visa is- sues, including increase in visa processing fees, high re- jection rates and other diffi- culties faced by the Indian services companies, with the US govt at various levels. India had earlier also tak- en up the matter on US visa fee hike in the Dispute Settle- ment Body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
