Hyderabad: Minister for IT and Industries Duddilla Sridhar Babu on Saturday strongly criticised the Union Government for remaining silent on US President Donald Trump’s move to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas. He warned that the decision could significantly harm Indian interests, especially in the tech sector.
He accused the Centre of failing to launch pre-emptive diplomatic talks or negotiate exemptions for existing H-1B visa holders. “India already took a hit from the 50% tariff hike on certain imports. This visa fee adds another severe blow,” he remarked.
Sridhar Babu urged the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister to act swiftly. He called for temporary exemptions for current visa holders, special support for Indian IT professionals, and protection for families relying on remittances.
“Telangana stands to suffer the most,” he warned. The state government, he said, will formally write to the Centre, demanding urgent intervention.
The minister accused the Union Government of neglecting national interests abroad while focusing on weakening the country’s federal structure. He criticised the attempt to portray the visa fee hike as a positive development, calling it misleading.
Reaffirming that India is a Union of States, Sridhar Babu alleged that the Centre favours BJP-ruled states and regularly sidelines Telangana.