India raised its concerns over visa and immigration policies directly with the United States on Sunday, receiving acknowledgment from Washington, though without an immediate resolution.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed India’s concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing that the mobility of skilled Indian professionals should not be adversely affected by broader immigration reforms in the US. Rubio, while acknowledging the challenges, noted that “some bumps” were expected as reforms progress but reaffirmed the direction of the policy changes.
The discussions took place during a joint press interaction following wide-ranging talks between the two sides, at a time when India–US relations have been under pressure for several months.
Jaishankar highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, stating that legitimate travel and professional mobility must remain unaffected. He emphasized that cooperation in areas such as business, technology, and research depends heavily on smooth visa processes for skilled workers. He also reiterated that India supports efforts to curb illegal migration but expects legitimate pathways to remain unhindered.
On recent US immigration measures, including changes impacting H1B visas and directives affecting green card applicants, Jaishankar noted that while India is not the target of these policies, Indian professionals have been significantly affected during this transition period.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to the scale of illegal immigration challenges faced by the United States, stating that reforms are aimed at creating a more efficient and sustainable system. He added that the US remains one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants and that the current changes are part of broader systemic improvements.
The dialogue comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize India–US relations, which have faced strains over recent months due to tariff disputes, immigration policy changes, and differing political narratives on regional issues. New Delhi has consistently maintained its position on matters such as the India–Pakistan ceasefire, emphasizing that it was achieved through direct bilateral engagement.
As both sides continue discussions, the focus remains on balancing domestic policy reforms with the long-standing strategic partnership between India and the United States.
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