Indian Ministers Seek to Repair Relations Amid US Trade and Visa Tensions

Indian Ministers Visit US Amid Tariff, H-1B Visa Uncertainty New York, September 22, 2025 - Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday in New York, as the two countries attempt to mend their strained relations. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, comes after Washington raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in August in response to India's continued imports of Russian oil. Jaishankar and Rubio last met in July, but this is the first high-level encounter since the tariff hike. According to Indian media reports, the meeting was seen as an opportunity for both sides to discuss ways to improve their bilateral relations. "We are looking forward to a productive discussion on various issues of mutual interest," Jaishankar said ahead of the meeting. Meanwhile, India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Washington DC on Monday for talks on a long-pending trade deal. Last week, a US delegation met Indian officials for trade talks, which New Delhi called "positive" and "forward-looking." Goyal said ahead of his visit that he was optimistic about the prospects of a trade agreement. The US has been pushing India to open up its markets to American goods, while India wants greater access to the US market. The two countries have been negotiating a trade deal for several years, but progress has been slow. In related news, US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications last week, in an effort to tighten immigration policy. This move has sparked concerns among Indian tech companies and experts, who say it will make it harder for skilled workers from India to obtain visas. The tariff hike and H-1B visa restrictions have strained relations between the two countries, but both sides are trying to mend their ties. "We believe that our bilateral relationship is strong enough to withstand these challenges," a US official said. The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio is seen as an important step towards improving relations between the two countries. However, it remains to be seen whether the talks will yield any concrete results. Background India and the US have been negotiating a trade deal for several years, but progress has been slow due to differences over issues such as market access and intellectual property rights. The tariff hike on Indian goods was a major point of contention between the two countries, with India calling it "unfair" and "disproportionate." Additional Perspectives Experts say that the meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio is an opportunity for both sides to discuss ways to improve their bilateral relations. "Both countries have a lot to gain from a strong relationship," said Dr. Raja Mohan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. However, others are more skeptical about the prospects of a trade deal. "The US has been pushing India to open up its markets to American goods, but India is not willing to compromise on its economic sovereignty," said economist Arvind Subramanian. Current Status and Next Developments The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio is seen as an important step towards improving relations between the two countries. However, it remains to be seen whether the talks will yield any concrete results. The next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the negotiations. In related news, India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to meet with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Tuesday to discuss the trade deal. *Reporting by Dw.*