US Vice President JD Vance (X/@NetramDefence)
New Delhi: India has strongly rebuked the US for calling Indian professionals "bonded laborers." India has responded bluntly, stating that such comments are inappropriate and derogatory. In fact, US Vice President JD Vance used the term "indenture labor" to describe Indians. India has stated that such comments are inappropriate and evoke painful memories of historical and colonial times. India clarified that Indian professionals working in the US make significant contributions to the US economy, innovation, and technological development. Defining their role in such terms is not only offensive but also detrimental to the shared interests of the two countries.
In a statement issued on October 9, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is aware of the US Department of Labor's decision regarding the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program for certain companies. Clarifying India's position on the issue, the Ministry stated that the movement of talented professionals benefits both the Indian and US economies.
India also stated that America's history is shaped by the hard work, entrepreneurship, and innovation of generations of immigrants. Therefore, it is unfair to ignore the contributions of Indian professionals. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the comments made by the US Vice President on this matter are inappropriate and deeply objectionable due to the use of terminology that has a painful historical and colonial legacy. India clarified that it is closely monitoring the developments.
What decision has America taken that has increased the concern of Indian professionals?
India's reaction comes at a time when US President Donald Trump's administration is tightening the process for employment-based permanent residence (Green Card) for foreign professionals. On October 8, the US Department of Labor announced the suspension of eight major technology and IT companies from the PERM program. The list includes Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro , HCL Technologies and Capgemini. The US administration says it is investigating alleged irregularities in the recruitment of foreign workers and allegations of harming the interests of American workers. However, detailed evidence of the allegations against all the companies has not been made public.
US Vice President J.D. Vance defended the decision, alleging that some companies are firing American workers and replacing them with foreign workers. He said the H-1B visa program is being used to hire foreign workers at lower wages.
Citing the example of Microsoft, Vance claimed that the company had used a large number of H-1B visas to lay off American employees. He described foreign workers as "indenture servants." He argued that visa holders could lose their right to stay in the US if they lost their jobs, making them increasingly dependent on their employers. This terminology has been a source of objection from India. India says that visa-related challenges faced by foreign professionals can be discussed, but it is not appropriate to associate the contributions of Indian talent with such derogatory terminology.
Indenture labor refers to a labor system in which a person is contracted to work for a fixed period. Historically, this system was used during slavery. People from many countries, including India, were sent to work in other countries as contract laborers. In many cases, they faced exploitation, harsh conditions, and limited freedom.
The situation of H-1B visa holders is not the same as that of historical contract laborers. This is a temporary work visa program designed to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills in the United States. However, there is a significant link between the employment of a person working on this visa and their immigration status. Vance's comments are based on this dependency. However, India objects to the use of terminology that has a highly sensitive historical context to explain this issue.
In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Indian professionals in the United States are highly educated and skilled contributors. They have played a role in strengthening the American economy and innovation system. According to the Ministry, America's growth is also linked to the hard work, entrepreneurship, and innovation of immigrants who arrived there over different generations. Therefore, India calls the comments made about Indian professionals inappropriate and says that terminology linked to painful historical and colonial legacies is deeply objectionable.
Copyright © 2026 Top Indian News
