'Appeasement of bullies never pays': Jairam Ramesh targets Centre
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticizes the Modi government for failing to protect Indian IT professionals after the US bars IT majors from the Green Card program.
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government following the United States government's decision to bar several major IT companies from the Green Card program. Ramesh alleged that the Centre's approach toward US leadership has failed to safeguard the interests of Indian IT professionals.
Allegations of Failed Diplomacy
In a strongly worded statement shared on X, Ramesh claimed that the recent US actions demonstrate that attempting to please powerful foreign leaders yields no tangible benefits for India. He suggested that the government's recent policy decisions, specifically regarding the UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges, appear to favor American companies rather than domestic interests.
"That appeasement of bullies never pays is once again proven by the US Govt’s actions yesterday, targeted directly against Indian IT professionals," Ramesh stated. He further alleged that the government's decision to impose UPI MDR charges would directly benefit American entities, a move he linked to the current diplomatic climate.
Potential for Legal Retaliation
Ramesh argued that India possesses several legal mechanisms to respond to such international moves. He specifically pointed toward the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and its associated rules as potential tools for retaliation. However, he accused the Prime Minister of being too compromised to take decisive action against the US move.
Impact on the Indian IT Sector
The suspension of the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme by the US Department of Labour—a critical pathway for H-1B visa holders to pursue employment-based green cards—has raised significant concerns. Karnataka Minister for IT, Priyank Kharge, noted that this decision could have "complex and far-reaching consequences" for the Indian technology sector.
Kharge highlighted several potential challenges, including:
- Higher operating costs for companies within the United States.
- Increased difficulties in retaining highly skilled employees.
- Reduced flexibility in deploying Indian professionals on-site.
Nasscom's Perspective on Talent Mobility
While the news has caused concern, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) has urged a nuanced view of the situation. In an official statement, Nasscom clarified that immigration and skilled talent mobility are distinct issues.
The industry body emphasized that Indian technology companies have proactively worked to mitigate these risks by:
- Significantly reducing their historical dependence on H-1B visas.
- Expanding local hiring practices within the US.
- Building a robust domestic workforce to support their operations.
Nasscom maintained that while the H-1B programme remains vital for addressing short-term skill gaps, the current suspension affects a specific immigration pathway rather than the overall mobility of talent.