Congress asks why PM is mute on "India First" as Trump talks of "America First"
New Delhi/UNI: Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a series of tweets on Sunday asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would raise issues pertaining to H-1B visa and restoration of GSP with US President Donald Trump during his 2-day visit starting from Monday.
The Congress, ahead of the US President's visit, asked why Prime Minister Modi is silent about "India First" as Donald Trump talked of "America First".
"Trump Government's restrictive immigration policies have hit H-1B visas. Indians get 70 per cent of 85000 H-1B Visas. Now, Rejection Rate for India has increased from 6 pc in 2015 to 24 pc in 2019, especially for IT professionals. Post 10 million people gala event, Will PM Modi ask for easing H-1B visas," Surjewala asked on Twitter.
Surjewala also asked whether PM Modi would ensure cheaper oil for India after it stopped buying oil from Iran in view of sanctions and if Indian steel exports would get a boost after India commits to $3 billion defence purchases.
He said that as the US prepares to sign a deal with Taliban on February 29, what about India's red lines.
"Have we forgotten IC-814 hijacking and release of terrorist Masood Azhar in Kandhar, who's JeM then attacked Parliament and Pulwama? As gala bash unfolds, Will Modiji raise our National Security concerns," the Congress chief spokesperson said.
The Congress leader said that continuing since 1974, the US removed India from Duty Free Imports i.e GSP (generalised system of preferences) on June 5, 2019.
It has affected the $5.6 billion Indian exports to the US, especially gems, jewellery, rice, leather, he added.
"Post 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' gala events, Will PM ensure restoration of GSP status," Surjewala asked.
Surjewala said that till 2018, India imported 250 crore ton Crude Oil/month from Iran on Rupee payment, 90 days credit and doorstep delivery.
"The Modi government stopped buying cheaper Iran oil as per US sanctions that raised oil prices in India," Mr Surjewala alleged.
"As fest continues in Ahmedabad, Will Modiji secure cheaper oil for India," Mr Surjewala asked.
The Congress leader alleged that India's exports of USD 761 million of steel to the US fell by 50 pc to $372 million as the Trump government hiked tariffs on import by 25 per cent.
"As India commits to $3 billion Defense purchases, why zero relief for India's export of steel?" Mr Surjewala asked.
US President Donald Trump is on a visit to India from February 24 and 25.
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