India critiques US stance on visa programme, citing shared interests

India's government has pushed back against recent United States actions affecting the permanent labour certification, or PERM, programme, contending that the moves run counter to shared developmental ambitions between the two countries.

Official statements from India's ministry emphasised that facilitating the movement of skilled workers generates substantial value for both economies. Proponents of liberalised talent mobility argue that such exchanges strengthen competitiveness and innovation across both nations' business sectors.

The Indian position reflects broader concerns about restrictions on professional immigration pathways. New Delhi has sought to highlight how American companies benefit from access to global talent pools, with skilled workers contributing significantly to corporate growth and technological advancement.

The disagreement underscores ongoing tensions between India and the US over immigration policy, a subject that has periodically strained diplomatic relations. India has consistently advocated for more flexible visa regimes to facilitate the movement of its workforce to overseas markets.

Both nations have historically framed talent mobility as a cornerstone of their bilateral economic relationship, though recent policy divergences suggest shifting priorities within the US administration regarding immigration control and labour market protections.