The latest stipulations on H1-B visas that come as a result of the executive order of U.S. President Donald Trump will have far reaching consequences for India, particularly for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, warned Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi.
Mr Owaisi, who is the AIMIM president, on Saturday took to X, and underscored the fact that Indians, to whom around “71-72%” such visas are issued, have historically been the largest beneficiaries of the programme.
The Telugu states have “dominated” the H1B ecosystem, he said.
The average annual salary of India H1-B visa holders, he pointed out, is around $1,20,000.
“For families back home, these salaries are not just numbers. They are a source of livelihood, a pathway to inter-generational mobility, and a key contributor to India’s $125 billion remittance inflow,” he stated.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together account for 37% of Indian NRI deposits. These significantly add to India’s $125 billion remittances inflow, he said.
Mr. Owaisi questioned the Union government’s handling of foreign policy. Pointing to large-scale events such as Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump, he sought to know to who these translated into gains.
“This is not about Trump’s decision. He acted in his country’s interest. My quarrel is with our government. All those NRIs gathered at Madison Square Garden, what did it achieve? Birthday wishes are not foreign policy success,” he said.
“This ending of H1B visas was meant to target Indians. That the US is putting its relationship with India at risk is proof that it does not care about our strategic value,” he said.
The H1B visa move should not be seen in isolation, Mr. Owaisi maintained.
The U.S. tariffs on India, and that country’s agreements with Pakistan, and Pakistan’s defence agreement with Saudi Arabia, collectively, are a part of a larger picture, he said.
Mr Owaisi asserted that he does not derive pleasure with the latest developments.
“This is not an opportunity for me to score some brownie points. But the government must introspect as to why India is facing such difficulties in foreign policy and national security,” he stated.
“After all, it’s not Modi who suffers, but common Indians. You have sacrificed our long-term gains for domestic posturing. The years 2014-2024 has been a lost decade,” he said.
Published – September 20, 2025 08:32 pm IST
