Trump’s Visa and Tariff Policies Put Strain on U.S.-India Ties; Jaishankar, Rubio to Meet Amid Rising Tensions

When the world’s most powerful country changes its visa policy, the effects ripple across the globe. But this time, the United States may need to think twice — because the country most impacted by the new restrictions is India.

After a series of tariff shocks, U.S. President Donald Trump has now proposed stricter measures on the H-1B visa program — a move that could make it even harder for foreign professionals, especially from India, to secure jobs in the U.S. The Trump administration claims the restrictions will increase job opportunities for American citizens.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio today in New York. According to sources familiar with the matter, this high-level meeting — taking place during the United Nations General Assembly session — is part of a broader effort to build on recent improvements in U.S.-India relations.

Sources further said the meeting aims to bridge the gap that had widened in recent months, and to strengthen bilateral ties. Jaishankar and Rubio last met in Washington in early July and again earlier this year in January. However, this will be their first face-to-face meeting since tensions flared over U.S.-imposed trade tariffs on India.

President Trump has defended the tariffs, which include a 50% duty (with an additional 25% surcharge), as a response to India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil. Following some diplomatic recalibrations, both nations have made efforts to get back on track. Trade negotiations, which had previously stalled, have resumed, and President Trump has expressed confidence that reaching a deal will not be difficult.

This meeting comes at a crucial time, as Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently leading a delegation to the U.S. for trade talks scheduled on Monday.