Amid the ongoing H-1B visa row, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met in New York on Monday to steady relations, just days after President Donald Trump announced a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, a move that shook India’s tech sector.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and was the first face-to-face since US tariffs on Indian goods reignited trade tensions earlier this summer. The leaders greeted each other warmly, signalling a desire for continuity despite economic irritants.

Rubio described India as a “relationship of critical importance to the United States”, praising New Delhi’s work on trade, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals, and pledged to “continue working together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad.”

Jaishankar highlighted the need for persistent engagement, posting on X: “Our conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern. Agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to progress on priority areas. We will remain in touch.”

H-1 B visa fee shook the tech sector

Trump’s sudden H-1B visa announcement overshadowed the talks. India is the largest H-1B user, securing 71% of approvals last year, while China had just under 12%. Analysts warn the new fee could raise costs sharply for Indian IT companies, which rely heavily on the programme.

The visa issue adds to existing tensions. In July, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, later doubling it, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The tariffs affected ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement talks, though September discussions were described by India as positive, with both sides committed to intensifying efforts.

Despite setbacks, diplomatic contact remains strong. Rubio and Jaishankar last met in July at a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting with Japan and Australia. Monday’s meeting underscored that US-India cooperation continues, even amid economic and trade challenges.