New Delhi: The Opposition parties, led by Congress, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump imposed a staggering $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas for highly-skilled workers.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, called Modi a “weak PM”.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Modi of reducing foreign policy to “bear hugs, hollow slogans and loud optics,” stating that such theatrics have failed to protect India’s national interests.
Trump’s order mandating companies to pay $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas is expected to hit Indian professionals the hardest as they constitute the largest percentage (around 70%) in that category.
Rahul shared a report of the H1-B visa news on X and wrote, “I repeat, India has a weak PM.”
He shared a similar comment of his from 2017, when H-1B visa concerns were not a topic of discussion between PM Modi and Trump during the former’s US visit after Trump had assumed office in his first term at the White House.
Kharge’s tweet was more detailed but no less stinging.
“Foreign policy is about safeguarding our national interests, keeping India First, and steering friendships with wisdom and balance… It cannot be reduced to superficial bravado that risks undermining our long-term standing,” Kharge wrote.
Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi drew a comparison with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recalling his firm response during past diplomatic row. “Now PM Modi’s preference for strategic silence and loud optics has become a liability for the national interest of India and her citizens,” Gogoi said.
Aam Aadmi Party joined in the Modi-bashing.
Questioning his ability to handle critical issues, Kejriwal wondered whether the “Prime Minister of 140 crore people is helpless.”
“Prime Minister ji, do something at least.. Why is the Prime Minister of 140 crore people so helpless in the end? Can’t you handle anything at all?” Kejriwal wrote on X in Hindi.
