India Slams JD Vance’s Remarks on Indian Professionals as ‘Deeply Offensive’

The Indian government has strongly criticised remarks by US Vice President JD Vance following the Trump administration’s decision to suspend eight major technology companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme. The affected firms include Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, HCL Technologies, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe. Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants” drew a sharp response from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which termed the language unwarranted and deeply offensive. The ministry emphasised that skilled Indian professionals contribute significantly to the US economy and innovation ecosystem through research, productivity, competitiveness and job creation. It also said the contributions of generations of immigrants have helped shape America’s growth and prosperity.

India said the suspension of PERM applications does not advance the shared ambitions of the two countries, as the movement of skilled professionals benefits both economies. The MEA clarified that the suspension does not, by itself, affect the validity of existing H-1B visas or the status of their holders and dependents. However, it could disrupt or delay the Green Card process for eligible employees of the affected companies. The PERM programme is an important stage in employment-based permanent residency applications, requiring employers to meet prescribed labour certification requirements. The latest move has raised concerns among Indian professionals planning to settle permanently in the United States, although its effects will depend on the individual circumstances of each case and further developments in the investigations.