Kharge slams Modi govt over “Return Gifts” from US, says Policies hurting Indian interests

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday contemptuously criticized the Modi government over what he termed as damaging “return gifts” from the United States, particularly in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent birthday call with former US President Donald Trump.

Taking to social media, Kharge accused the Modi government of compromising India’s economic and strategic interests. He said, “Narendra Modi ji, Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call. Birthday Return Gifts from your ‘Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar’ Govt.”

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He expressed disappointment over US policies that he said have hurt Indian interests, listing several measures that have negatively impacted the country.

Some of the key points, Kharge mentioned include: “A $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, which will disproportionately affect Indian tech workers, as 70 percent of H-1B visa holders are Indians.A 50 percent tariff imposed on Indian goods, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 2.17 lakh crore to India in 10 sectors alone.The HIRE Act, which targets Indian outsourcing companies, further hurting India’s IT sector.The lifting of exemptions on the Chabahar port, which will impact India’s strategic interests in the region.”

The Modi government has been criticized for its handling of diplomatic relations with the US, with Kharge accusing the government of prioritizing superficial gestures over national interests.

“Foreign policy is about safeguarding our NATIONAL INTERESTS; keeping INDIA FIRST, and steering friendships with wisdom and balance,” Kharge asserted.

Kharge’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the impact of the US’s protectionist policies on Indian industries, particularly the IT sector. The imposition of tariffs and fees on H-1B visas has raised alarms about the potential consequences for Indian businesses and workers.