00:00The first statement has come from the Minister of External Affairs on the U.S. government crackdown
00:04and on strict imposition of rules when it comes to the H-1B visa work, especially the impact of it,
00:12even though it's not specific, of course, to Indians, but we understand, remember, the tech companies
00:17do cater and do attract in thousands Indian professionals, skilled, educated professionals in their tech companies.
00:25Many say it is the Indians or the Indian origin individuals and professionals who are literally leading some of these
00:32tech giants.
00:32But here's what has happened. India has hit out especially at U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance
00:38for labelling H-1B visa holders and these foreign tech professionals as foreign indentured servants.
00:46Like it was referred to in the colonial era.
00:50A characterisation New Delhi has slammed as deeply offensive and unwarranted.
00:55The external affairs ministry has said, and I quote it here first.
00:58The history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants
01:02whose labour enterprise innovation have contributed to their growth and prosperity.
01:06Resorting to such a terminology that carries painful historical and colonial legacy,
01:12these connotations are deeply offensive.
01:14Listen in to the spokesperson, Radhi Jaiswal.
01:19The U.S. Department of Labor's decision concerning the permanent labour certification program,
01:26that is PERM, P-E-R-M, for certain companies.
01:29It should be noted that PERM is distinct from the H-1B visa program.
01:36The suspension of PERM application does not by itself affect the validity of H-1B visas
01:45or the status of H-1B visa holders and their dependents.
01:51Though there could be some impact on the permanent residency or green card process
01:57of eligible employees of the affected countries, sorry, companies.
02:02It should also be clear that talent mobility adds value to both economies,
02:08that is economies of India and the United States.
02:11In regard to the comments made by U.S. Vice President,
02:18let me say that we believe that such descriptions are unwarranted
02:22and ignore the fact that Indian professionals in the United States
02:26are highly educated and skilled contributors to its economy and innovation ecosystem.
02:33Indeed, the history of the United States itself has been shaped by generations of immigrants
02:40whose labour, enterprise and innovation have contributed to its growth and prosperity.
02:48It would be better for the U.S. government leaders to realise
02:52who has provided better to their economy and prosperity to their country
02:56and most of them have been the Indian immigrants.
