India on Saturday said it is closely studying the implications of the United States’ decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, a move that could severely impact Indian tech professionals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also warned that the measure could result in “humanitarian consequences.”
In a statement, the MEA said:
“The government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B 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 H1B program.”
Our statement regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 20, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/fkOjHIxEu9 pic.twitter.com/1rM9W3GYqC
The ministry highlighted that both India and the US share a common interest in “innovation and creativity,” stressing that consultations are expected to chart “the best path forward.”
“Skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India,” the MEA added.
“Policy makers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
The statement further underlined that the steep visa fee is “likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of the disruption caused for families.”
Trump’s H-1B Move
On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation hiking the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 annually — a sharp rise from the earlier $1,000–5,000. This is the latest in his administration’s push to curb immigration.
India, which accounts for 71% of all H-1B visa holders, is expected to be hit the hardest. Nearly 300,000 Indian tech workers currently live and work in the US under this program.
An HT analysis shows that Trump’s move could effectively “kill” the programme, as the new fee exceeds the median annual salary of fresh H-1B visa holders and amounts to more than 80% of the average salary of all visa holders.
The development comes amid worsening India-US trade tensions. Washington recently imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from August 7, followed by an additional 25% levy on Russian oil-linked imports from August 27, bringing the total tariff to 50%.
However, two recent positive social media exchanges between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had signalled a thaw in relations.
Hours after Trump signed the proclamation, Modi emphasized self-reliance while addressing a rally in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
“The real enemy of the country is dependence on other countries,” Modi said, stressing the need for India to strengthen its self-sufficiency.