Ex-Diplomat Rebuts M Kharge's H1-B Attack On Centre, Kiren Rijiju Reacts

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today seized upon former Foreign Secretary's comments regarding the Trump administration's H1-B visa policy to deliver a strong message to the Congress opposition. He emphasized that while politics has its place, national interests should unite all Indians.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister shared former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal's rebuttal to statements made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, describing Sibal's input as "perfect piece of advice."

In his social media post, Rijiju wrote: "Kanwal Sibal is highly intellectual, thoroughly sober and an erudite diplomat known for his sharp and highly pertinent views. I can understand his pain, which forced him to give this perfect piece of advice to Congress President. We have enough time and space to do politics but when it comes to national interests, we all must speak for INDIA."

The controversy began when Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi over the H1-B visa crackdown, suggesting Indians were suffering from the "gifts" Modi received after Trump's birthday call. Kharge took aim at the Modi-Trump relationship, stating that "bear Hugs" and "hollow slogans" do not constitute effective foreign policy.

Responding to these comments, former diplomat Kanwal Sibal wrote: "Blaming Modi for Trump's antagonistic steps against India rather than closing ranks against foreign bullying only weakens our resistance. Trump is being obnoxious to everyone, including his allies. See the way he has humiliated Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico etc. He thought he could get his way with India. Our resistance in pursuit of our national interest has rattled his bloated ego and unleashed his bullying nature."

Sibal further questioned whether the opposition opposes India's refusal to be dictated to by the US on foreign policy choices. He highlighted that India, unlike Pakistan, hasn't engaged in business deals involving Trump's family to gain his favor. The diplomat cautioned against exploiting serious external challenges for domestic political gains, noting the significant progress made in US-India relations over recent years.

The former Foreign Secretary added: "If Trump wants to undo the gains because he thinks he wants to appeal to his MAGA base and because he treats foreign relations as business deals, it is not India's problem alone. Would the opposition want India to open the doors to GMO crops and dairy products? Internal solidarity against foreign pressure rather than mockery will be nationally helpful, even as hard give and take in domestic politics goes on."

The Trump administration recently announced new H1-B visa guidelines, including substantial fee increases, affecting numerous Indian technology professionals working in the United States.

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern, noting the likely "humanitarian consequences" and potential disruptions for families, while expressing hope that "these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities."