India hasn't raised H-1B visa curbs with US, Goyal says

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Thursday that New Delhi has not formally raised concerns about H-1B visa restrictions or green card processing delays during high-level talks with US officials. The minister's remarks come amid ongoing debate over American immigration policies that have restricted work visa allocations in recent years.

Goyal suggested that reduced H-1B visa availability could prove advantageous for India's domestic economy and workforce development. The minister indicated that the government's focus has centered on other bilateral trade and economic issues rather than immigration matters, signaling a pragmatic approach to India-US relations despite the visa issue's significance for Indian technology professionals and service companies.

Thousands of Indian IT professionals and skilled workers depend on H-1B visas to work in the United States. The visa category, which allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has faced increasing restrictions and scrutiny over the past several years, affecting the Indian IT services industry which relies heavily on such work permits.

Goyal's statement reflects India's broader diplomatic strategy of prioritizing trade and investment discussions in bilateral engagements with Washington, while downplaying immigration policy differences. The minister's comments suggest New Delhi may be reconsidering the strategic importance of pursuing visa liberalization as a negotiating point in wider economic discussions with the United States.