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International
India rebukes US Senator JD Vance for ‘deeply offensive’ H‑1B visa comments
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 10 Oct 2026, 07:37 AM
👁 16
The Indian government publicly criticised Senator JD Vance after his remarks suggesting H‑1B visas undermine American workers, calling them deeply offensive.
New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday condemning remarks made by U.S. Senator JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, about the H‑1B visa programme. Vance had suggested that the influx of foreign talent through the visa scheme was detrimental to American workers, a view that New Delhi described as "deeply offensive".
India’s response highlighted that the United States’ growth and innovation have historically been driven by immigrants, and it called for a respectful dialogue on immigration policies. The ministry said the comments ignored the contributions of Indian professionals who have long been part of the U.S. technology and research sectors.
While no diplomatic escalation was indicated, officials said they would engage with their American counterparts to ensure that bilateral ties and the large Indian diaspora in the United States are not adversely affected by such statements.
India’s response highlighted that the United States’ growth and innovation have historically been driven by immigrants, and it called for a respectful dialogue on immigration policies. The ministry said the comments ignored the contributions of Indian professionals who have long been part of the U.S. technology and research sectors.
While no diplomatic escalation was indicated, officials said they would engage with their American counterparts to ensure that bilateral ties and the large Indian diaspora in the United States are not adversely affected by such statements.