PM Narendra Modi discussed 'spirit' of H1B visas with Donald Trump: Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the "spirit" of H1B visa with President Donald Trump during their recent meeting and made him agree on crucial contribution of the Indian skilled professionals to the US economy, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

Answering questions in the Rajya Sabha over H1B visa restrictions imposed by the US, Swaraj said Trump has admitted that the contribution of the Indian professionals was benefitting both the countries and "if they (US) harm their (professionals') interests, then it will in turn affect them (US)."

Talking about the meeting between Modi and Trump last month in Washington, she said, "without using the word H1B, there was extensive discussion" on the "spirit" behind such visas.
"I take pride is saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully convinced Trump to admit that Indian skilled professionals have a big contribution in strengthening the US economy," she told the House where Modi was present.

Swaraj said though the word H1B was not used, the joint Indo-US statement issued after talks between Modi and Trump starts with "applauding" the contribution of Indian IT professionals.

Congress leader Anand Sharma and CPI-M's Tapan Kumar Sen wanted to know whether Modi specifically raised the issue of H1B issue with Trump.

Sen said the spirit of the assurance on H1B was not matching with the ground realities as IT companies were hiring in the US and laying off people in India.

Swaraj said she would make a detailed statement on the issue of H1B visas in the House later.

Earlier, V Maitreyan (AIADMK) raised the issue of visas and asked the government to elaborate on the issue. He also welcomed Modi's visit to the US as also to Israel.