India condemns US VP pick's 'indentured servants' comment on H-1B workers

India has launched a sharp rebuke against US Vice President-elect JD Vance over his characterization of H-1B visa workers as 'indentured servants,' marking a notable diplomatic friction over a program that has long benefited Indian technology professionals.

The H-1B visa program, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, has become a cornerstone of employment for thousands of Indian IT professionals and engineers seeking opportunities in the United States. Vance's comments, which drew comparisons to exploitative labor practices, were perceived as devaluing the contributions of skilled workers from India who have been instrumental in advancing American technology and innovation sectors.

Indian government officials and business representatives have characterized the remarks as deeply offensive and indicative of a troubling attitude toward immigration and foreign talent. The criticism reflects growing concerns in India about potential policy shifts under the incoming US administration that could restrict or reshape visa programs favoring Indian workers.

The H-1B program has long been a subject of political debate in the United States, with proponents arguing it fills critical skill gaps and opponents contending it displaces American workers. India, however, views the program as vital to its technology exports and the economic prospects of its workforce, making Vance's framing particularly contentious for New Delhi.

The diplomatic spat underscores broader tensions over immigration policy as the new US administration prepares to take office, with implications for India's technology sector and bilateral relations between the two nations.