US President Donald Trump’s move to impose a hefty $1,00,000 fee for obtaining a H-1B work visa could prove to be a litmus test for future India-US ties. The fee is a literal roadblock to restrict the entry of Indians to the US. It would have a cascading effect on students, impact growth of IT sector and cast a shadow on the Quad.

The Rs 86 lakh one-time fee for seeking H-1B visa, which kicked in from September 21 onwards, is not just a lever on India to lower trade barriers or snap ties with Russia. It is signifying a US foreign policy reset, from strategic cooperation to transactional engagement, with developing nations like India.

Related news: US clarification on H-1B calms nerves in tech circles but some warn of deferred impact

Likely to have humanitarian consequences: India on

See Full Page