From H-1B to oil price, Congress sought answers from PM Modi ahead of Donald Trump visit
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala sought answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to five question on H-1B visas, national security, trade, oil prices and steel exports ahead of US President Donald Trump visit, which starts on Monday.
The Congress leader, who criticised the certral government in a series of tweets, began his attack with a question on H-1B visas that allows US firms to temporarily hire citizens of other nations.
"Trump Govt's restrictive immigration policies have hit H-1B visas. Indians get 70% of 85000 H-1B Visas. Now,Rejection Rate for India has increased from 6% in 2015 to 24% in 2019, esp. for IT professionals," he tweeted along with a video.
Trump Govt’s restrictive immigration policies have hit H-1B visas. Indians get 70% of 85000 H-1B Visas
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020
Now,Rejection Rate for India has increased from 6% in 2015 to 24% in 2019, esp. for IT professionals
Post 10 million ppl gala event,Will PM Modi ask for easing H-1B visas? pic.twitter.com/UOc2OwDMTS
“Will PM Modi ask for easing H-1B visas?" he asked, making reference to PM Modi-President Trump geniality, which was conspicuous at the Howdy event last year.
The US-Taliban deal, which will be signed this month and has been commended by Russia as ‘important event for peace’, also figured in one of his tweets by the Congress leader as he raised concern about national security.
"US prepares to sign deal with Taliban on 29Feb. What about India's red lines! Have we forgotten IC814hijacking & release of terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandhar,who's JeM then attacked Parliament & Pulwama? As gala bash unfolds,Will Modiji raise our National Security concerns? (sic)" he wrote in another post.
Indian Airlines filght was hijacked on it way back to Delhi from Kathmandu on 24th December, 1999, with 180 passengers and crew member on board. It was one of the most darmatic hostage crisis the country has ever faced before 26/11.
Congress’ third question—will PM Modi "ensure restoration" of preferential trade treatment for India that allowed duty free entry for $5.6 billion worth of the country’s export to the US?
Continuing since 1974, US removed India from Duty Free Imports i.e GSP on 5 June,2019
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020
It has affected the $5.6 billion Indian exports to the US, especially gems,jewellery,rice,leather
Post ‘Howdy Modi’ & ‘Namaste Trump’ gala events, Will PM ensure restoration of GSP status? pic.twitter.com/oqO01C9KQk
The general system of preferences (GSP) was abolished by the US. The Congress has been taking a dig at PM Modi over the issue. Earlier another Congress leader Anand Sharma stated, "This visit should not be reduced to a photo opportunity or a PR exercise that would devalue the importance of our partnership... that would also not be in India's national interest."
Amid strained relation between US and Iran, Randeep Surjewala also asked if PM Modi would be able to get cheaper oil for India.
Uptill 2018, India imported 250Cr ton Crude Oil/month from Iran on ₹payment, 90 days credit & doorstep delivery
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020
Modi govt stopped buying cheaper Iran oil as per US sanctions that raised oil prices in India
As fest continues in AMD, Will Modiji secure cheaper oil for India? pic.twitter.com/jAyBfIFHtD
In his last question, Randeep Surjewala asked, "@POTUS says America First, why is PM quiet on India First?". He mentioned Trump government's increase on import tariffs and subsequent effect on India's export of steal.
India’s exports of $761 million of Steel to US fell by 50% to $372 million as Trump Govt hiked tariffs on import by 25%
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020
As India commits to $3 billion Defense purchases, why zero relief for India's export of steel?@POTUS says America First, why is PM quiet on India First? pic.twitter.com/W84Qfikky2
US President Donald Trump, accompanied by wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, will land in Ahmedabad on Monday. From the airport, PM Modi will take him on a roadshow to the world's biggest cricket stadium in Motera.
Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi targets Centre: Who is spending Rs 100 crore on 'Namaste Trump' ?
First published: 23 February 2020, 13:29 IST