WEB DESK
India’s External Affairs Ministry has said that the suspension of H1B visas by the US is likely to affect the movement of skilled professionals who avail of these non-immigrant visa program to work lawfully in the US.
Replying to a question at a virtual press conference, Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, they are assessing the impact of the order on Indian nationals and industry.
He said, people-to-people linkages and trade and economic cooperation, especially in technology and innovation sectors, are an important dimension of the U.S.-India partnership. High-skilled Indian professionals bring important skill sets, bridge technological gaps and impart a competitive edge to the US economy.
They have also been a critical component of the workforce that is at the forefront of providing Covid-19 related assistance in key sectors, including health, information technology and financial services.
The spokesperson said, the US has always welcomed talent and expressed hope that India’s professionals will continue to be welcomed in USA in the future. In reply to another query on OIC meeting over Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Srivastava said, OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that OIC should refrain from making unwarranted references.