H-1B visa issue

EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the US comes at a critical juncture for bilateral relations, as the H-1B visa programme emerges as a flashpoint in US domestic politics. The evolving positions of President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who has been tasked with leading Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, on the H-1B visa programme are sending mixed signals. For India, which accounts for over 70 per cent of H-1B visa recipients, these contradictions create uncertainty about the future of a programme vital to its tech-driven economy and bilateral relations with the US. Trump’s shifting narrative is particularly perplexing. During his first term, his “Hire American” policy sought to restrict H-1B visas, positioning them as detrimental to local employment. However, his recent endorsement of the programme — ostensibly due to the “Musk effect” — underscores an acknowledgment of America’s shortage of engineering talent and the economic contributions of foreign graduates. This turnaround, while welcome, sits uneasily with his base, where anti-immigration sentiment remains strong.

Adding to the ambiguity is Musk’s oscillating stance. Initially, he championed the H-1B programme, arguing it was essential for maintaining America’s innovation edge, even vowing to “go to war” over the issue. Yet, in a dramatic pivot on Monday, he labelled the system “broken” and proposed reforms that could make hiring foreign talent prohibitively expensive.

This uncertainty risks undermining the confidence of Indian IT firms and professionals who rely on the programme. It also complicates diplomatic efforts like Jaishankar’s US visit, where reinforcing the programme’s mutual benefits was likely a key agenda. For India, navigating this unpredictability will require strategic diplomacy. As Trump prepares to assume office, the H-1B debate will test the resilience of India-US ties. It is imperative that both nations prioritise collaboration over conflict.