Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged that recent U.S. policy changes, including a significant increase in H1-B visa fees and new tariffs on Indian goods, have created a “sharp short-term setback” for India. According to Tharoor, these measures are negatively impacting Indian jobs and trade. However, he remains optimistic that the strong, long-term interests shared by both countries will ultimately restore stability to the bilateral relationship.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Tharoor emphasized that this is not a “point of no return.” He highlighted the extensive cooperation between India and the U.S. in key sectors such as defense, artificial intelligence, information technology, and space. He also pointed to the deep-seated “people-to-people connections,” citing the more than 5 million people of Indian origin living in the U.S., many of whom are students and top executives in Silicon Valley.
Tharoor criticized the U.S. policy moves as “unfair” and “insulting,” especially given the long-standing trade partnership and the U.S. decision not to penalize India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. Despite these tensions, he noted that the governments of both countries continue to engage at multiple levels, ensuring that strategic cooperation remains uninterrupted.
The U.S. has imposed a cumulative 50% tariff on imported Indian goods, and the H1-B visa application fee has been raised to $100,000. While the visa fee hike only applies to new applications, it has caused temporary concern within the Indian community in the U.S.
Amid these developments, trade negotiations and diplomatic talks are ongoing. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Both leaders agreed on the importance of continued engagement to make progress on priority areas.