H-1B fee hike reflects Centre’s diplomatic failure: Harish Rao

T. Harish Rao criticised the Union Government over the US hike in H-1B visa fees and 25% tariffs on labour-intensive sectors, calling it a diplomatic failure. He urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to secure solutions for Indian students, professionals, and industries.

Hyderabad: Former Minister and senior MLA T Harish Rao criticised the Union Government over the US government’s decisions to hike in H-1B visa fees and impose recent 25 per cent tariffs on labour-intensive sectors, calling it a reflection of India’s diplomatic failure.

He said the US government’s move had pushed millions of families and thousands of industries into distress, while lakhs of Indian students in the US and parents of children working abroad were deeply traumatised.

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Urging swift action, Harish Rao appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to initiate talks with the US government and bring effective solutions to protect the interests of Indian students, professionals, and industries.