India has voiced its concerns regarding the recent United States' decision to increase H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per applicant, anticipating potential disruptions for families and skilled professionals. The Ministry of External Affairs has responded cautiously, stating that the move is likely to have humanitarian consequences due to the disruptions caused for families. The government hopes that these disruptions can be suitably addressed by US authorities.

An official stated that the mobility of skilled professionals has significantly contributed to the economic and technological partnership between the two countries. They also mentioned that policymakers will assess the recent steps, taking into account the mutual benefits and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The H-1B visa program is a critical pathway for skilled workers, and in fiscal year 2023, Indian nationals received 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued by the U.S. The Indian government has consistently sought better access for its professionals in the U.S., raising issues such as visa processing fees and rejection rates with the U.S. government at various levels.

This development follows an earlier announcement regarding changes to packages mailed to the U.S.. The Trump administration had announced the end of the de minimis exemption for international shipments under $800, which went into effect on August 29, 2025. This change led numerous foreign posts to suspend packages destined for the U.S. due to the complexities of processing and collecting duties under the new rules.

Separately, United Airlines is currently facing significant flight disruptions, with cancellations and delays affecting numerous cities and countries worldwide.

These various disruptions have caused concern, and it is hoped that the relevant authorities will address these issues to minimize the impact on individuals and businesses.