India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally responded to the US Department of Labor’s decision to suspend Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications for certain companies, saying the move runs counter to the interests of both nations.
In a statement, the ministry clarified that PERM and the H-1B visa programme are distinct processes. The suspension does not, on its own, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of current holders and their dependents, though it could affect the permanent residency and Green Card prospects of eligible employees at the companies in question.
The ministry framed talent mobility as a bilateral asset rather than a one-sided advantage. “While it creates opportunities for Indians, it equally helps US companies with cutting-edge talent, innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation, besides creating shareholder wealth in the US,” the statement said, adding that the US steps “do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries.”
The government also took direct aim at remarks attributed to US Vice President JD Vance, calling them unwarranted. “Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem,” the ministry said.
It noted that generations of immigrants had shaped American growth and prosperity, and described the use of language carrying what it called “painful historical and colonial legacy connotations” as deeply offensive.
New Delhi said it would continue to monitor the situation.
