H-1B fee raised to Rs 88 lakh; CPI M demands decisive response from India

New Delhi: The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned what it described as “unilateral and vindictive measures” taken by the United States under the Trump administration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party said the US has imposed an “exorbitant” fee of Rs 88 lakh per H-1B visa holder, with the new proclamation set to take effect from September 21, 2025. The CPI M termed the move another example of Washington “using coercive tactics to further its trade interests at the expense of other countries.”

The party pointed out that the measure follows the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs and the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port, a project operated by India. According to the CPI M, these steps are “clearly designed to exert pressure on India just as bilateral trade discussions resumed” and “amount to bullying intended to force India to yield to unfair US tariff- related demands.”

The statement criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what it called an “escapist approach,” saying he had responded with “vague sermons about the need for self- reliance” rather than resisting “these strong-arm tactics.” It also described the response of the Ministry of External Affairs as “pathetic” and “humiliating for the country.”

The CPI M warned that restrictions on the entry of H-1B visa holders would directly and severely impact thousands of skilled Indian professionals, disrupting their careers and affecting the livelihoods of their families.

The party demanded that the Indian government “take a firm stand against such coercive and unjust actions,” refuse to succumb to US pressure, and act decisively to defend the rights and interests of Indian people.