H-1B unlikely to be thorny issue in Modi, Trump talks: USIBC

The H-1B visa programme is unlikely to be a thorny issue in the maiden meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the talks could yield a “win-win formula” for both the sides, a top American business advocacy group said.

“I believe the visit will yield a win-win formula for both countries. I am very optimistic that it will go very well when Prime Minister comes here,” Mukesh Aghi, president of US India Business Council (USIBC) told PTI.

Under the umbrella of US Chambers of Commerce, USIBC is the largest representative body of top American businesses having a footprint in India.

Prime Minister Modi will on June 26 hold talks with President Trump on a range of issues, including terrorism and India's concerns over possible changes in H-1B visa rules, in their first bilateral meeting after the new administration took over in the US.

The bilateral talks appear to be no bed of roses as they come amidst thorny issues like US' plans to reduce the number of H-1B visa slots that are mainly used by Indian IT workers, and its withdrawal from the historic climate accord.

Closely involved in the preparations for Modi’s US visit from June 25 as an industry representative, Aghi said the H-1B visa programme is unlikely to be a major issue of discussion between the two leaders.
Responding to a question, he said it is unlikely to be a strain in India-US ties. “I believe this (H-1B) will not be an issue which will cause any kind of strain in discussion. The US industry needs technical resources to become more efficient, more competitive. And at the same time, I think have a good supply from India,” he said.

Aghi  also pointed out that H-1B visa issue is not just a US issue, it is an issue for the US business community. “It is a supply and demand issue. And, the industry needs more technical resources and the supply is constrained there,” he said.

Responding to a question, Aghi said Trump’s ‘America First’ and Modi’s ‘Make in India’ policies are complimentary to each other.