CPI (M) asks PM Modi to respond to Trump's new H-1B visa fee

September 22, 2025 by News Desk

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has condemned what it described as “unilateral and vindictive” actions of the Trump administration, following Washington’s decision to impose a fee of ₹88 lakh per H-1B visa holder.

The new policy, effective from September 21, 2025, was called an attempt to advance US trade interests at the expense of other nations.

The CPI(M) Polit Bureau said this move comes soon after the imposition of 50% tariffs and the reintroduction of sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port project, in which India is a key partner. It alleged that the measures are aimed at pressuring India as bilateral trade talks resume, amounting to “bullying tactics.”

The party criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response, saying his emphasis on “self-reliance” sounded like an evasion rather than resistance. It also termed the Ministry of External Affairs’ reaction as weak and “humiliating.”

According to CPI(M), the visa restrictions will have a direct impact on thousands of skilled Indian professionals, jeopardising their careers and disrupting the livelihoods of their families.

The party urged the government to take a decisive stand against US pressure and defend the rights and interests of the Indian people instead of yielding to “coercive demands.”