Shashi Tharoor has voiced his surprise and concern regarding the silence of the Indian diaspora in the United States on critical issues like H-1B visas and trade tariffs, urging the community to become more vocal. Tharoor made these remarks during a meeting with a US Congressional delegation, emphasizing the need for the diaspora to actively engage in influencing policy changes in Washington.

Tharoor acknowledged the strong support for the India-US partnership expressed by the US delegation. However, he stressed that a more proactive approach from the Indian-American community is essential to address challenges such as restrictions on H-1B visas and trade tariffs that impact India.

The H-1B visa program has been a significant pathway for Indian professionals to work in the US, particularly in the tech industry. However, recent policy changes, including increased application fees, have created hurdles for Indian companies and professionals. Some view these changes as a deliberate move to prioritize American workers and discourage companies from hiring foreign talent at lower salaries. For instance, the US government imposed a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B visa petition filed after September 21.

Tharoor believes that the hike in H-1B visa fees is driven by domestic politics in the US, with the aim of appeasing anti-immigration sentiments. He explained that the argument is that Indian tech professionals are undercutting American workers by accepting lower salaries. According to this view, the increased visa fees are intended to make it unviable for companies to hire foreign workers for low- to mid-level jobs.

However, Tharoor also pointed out that such measures could backfire on the US economy. He suggested that companies might choose to outsource jobs to other countries or to their global capability centers in India. This would mean that Indian tech workers could still be doing the same work for American firms, but from India.

In addition to the H-1B visa issues, Tharoor has also addressed the broader context of India-US relations, particularly in light of trade tensions and tariff disputes. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of the relationship, citing continued cooperation in sectors like defense, information technology, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, including the presence of a large Indian diaspora in the US.

Tharoor has noted that the unfairness of the trade restrictions and offensive statements by US officials have not been well-received in India. He questioned the rationale behind disrupting a long-standing partnership. Despite these concerns, Tharoor believes that the long-term interests of both countries will eventually bring them back to an even keel. He emphasized the ongoing trade negotiations and the potential for a new Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Tharoor's call for the Indian diaspora to speak out reflects a broader recognition of the community's growing influence in the US. With a population of over 4 million, Indian-Americans represent a significant demographic and economic force. They hold prominent positions in various sectors, including technology, business, and academia. As such, their voices can carry considerable weight in shaping policy debates and influencing decision-makers.

Ultimately, Tharoor's message is one of both concern and hope. He acknowledges the challenges facing India-US relations and the potential impact on the Indian diaspora. However, he also believes in the resilience of the relationship and the importance of the Indian-American community in advocating for policies that benefit both countries.