Meanwhile, MAGA supporters have intensified online campaigns against foreign workers, particularly Indians, alleging they take away American jobs. Indians make up more than 70 per cent of H-1B visa holders, followed by Chinese nationals at about 12 per cent.
This development comes at a time when India–US ties is at an all-time low, with Washington set to slap 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.
The US had imposed an additional 25 per cent ad valorem duty above the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs announced on August 1, raising the total tariff burden to 50 per cent, the highest imposed on any country, along with Brazil.
The move drew swift condemnation from New Delhi.
In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”
The MEA also described the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and warned it would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
