India, US Push Trade Talks Amid New H-1B Visa Fee Concerns

Washington, Sep 23 – Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New York to move forward on the first stage of a trade deal, according to sources. The meeting focused on key sticking points, and both sides are hopeful of reaching an interim agreement soon.

No official statements have been issued yet. The talks followed recent discussions in Delhi between US trade official Brendan Lynch and India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, which were described as positive, with both sides agreeing to step up efforts.

However, negotiations are unfolding against the backdrop of a major visa change. President Donald Trump last week signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa application. The announcement initially created confusion, raising fears it would affect current visa holders.

The White House later clarified that the fee applies only once, and only to new visa petitions, not renewals or existing holders. India’s External Affairs Ministry said the move could still have humanitarian consequences.

Trade talks resumed shortly after Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Modi thanked Trump publicly and pledged to strengthen the India-US partnership while supporting peaceful efforts in Ukraine. Trump also praised Modi in a post, calling him a “tremendous” leader and thanking him for backing his push to end the war.