Congress claims PM capitulating on visa curbs amid GyaneshGate row

The Congress party has intensified its attack on the government over what it characterizes as a capitulation to American pressure on visa policy. Senior party leader Jairam Ramesh claimed the government has chosen not to respond to recent U.S. visa restrictions, particularly the suspension of the PERM (Permanent Employment) visa category that affects Indian workers abroad.

Ramesh alleged the Modi administration had previously taken measures specifically designed to benefit American companies, citing the introduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on Unified Payments Interface transactions. He suggested this accommodation was part of an effort to maintain favorable relations with the Trump administration, even at the expense of Indian interests.

The Congress leader's remarks came amid ongoing scrutiny over the government's handling of diplomatic relations with the United States. The party has linked the PERM suspension to what opposition members are referring to as 'GyaneshGate,' suggesting the government faces pressure on multiple fronts but lacks the political will to push back against Washington.

The PERM visa suspension has directly impacted thousands of Indian professionals and IT workers who rely on the category for long-term U.S. employment prospects. Industry observers have noted the category's significance to India's outsourcing and technology services sectors, which employ hundreds of thousands of workers.