Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of India’s AIMIM party, fired sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government this weekend. He targeted a new U.S. policy under President Donald Trump that slaps a hefty $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. This move hits Indian professionals hard, especially those from tech hubs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Owaisi took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustration. He called out Modi for flashy events like “Howdy Modi” and “Namaste Trump,” which drew huge crowds of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in places like New York’s Madison Square Garden. “My beef isn’t with Trump—he did what he wanted,” Owaisi wrote. “But what did your government get out of those spectacles? You traded real gains for showy politics.”
The H-1B visa program lets skilled workers from abroad, mainly in tech, come to the U.S. for jobs. Indians snag about 71-72% of these visas each year, making the new fee a major blow. It could price out many applicants and force companies to rethink hiring. Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro depend on these visas to send workers stateside. The extra costs might run into billions, leading to fewer opportunities abroad and possibly more jobs staying in India.
Owaisi highlighted the ripple effects back home. H-1B holders earn around $120,000 a year on average, fueling India’s massive $125 billion in remittances last year. Families in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh rely on this money—those two states handle 37% of Indian NRI deposits. “This shuts down a key path for upward mobility for Indian families,” he said. Without it, economic growth and social progress could stall.
He also questioned U.S.-India ties. Trump wished Modi a happy 75th birthday on September 17, but Owaisi dismissed it as empty gestures. “Birthday wishes aren’t foreign policy wins,” he posted. The visa fee, plus U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and deals like the recent Pakistan-Saudi defense pact (which Owaisi says got U.S. nods), signal that America doesn’t value India as a true strategic partner. “We’re in a tough neighborhood and feeling more isolated globally,” Owaisi warned, pointing to risks from Pakistan and others.
Owaisi isn’t gloating over these setbacks. Instead, he urged Modi’s team to reflect. “This isn’t about scoring points—it’s about why our foreign policy and national security are stumbling. Everyday Indians pay the price, not just the leaders.” He pushed for bolder moves like expanding India’s de-dollarization efforts. The country already settles trade in rupees with over 18 nations, including Qatar and several in ASEAN. “We need to ramp this up with all big partners and stand firm against Trump’s pressure tactics,” he added.
The Trump administration says the fee aims to stop abuses in the H-1B system and put American workers first. With Indians holding about 70% of these visas, the change could steer talent to friendlier spots like Canada or Europe. For now, it’s sparking big debates on India-U.S. relations and the future for Indian tech pros chasing the American dream.
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