Trump says America First, why PM Modi quiet on India First: Congress

The Congress party on Sunday, February 23, asked on Twitter whether PM Modi would raise with him the issue of easing H-1B visas, restoration of GSP status and security concerns over Taliban.

Hours before US President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania Trump is set to land in India, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is silent about "India First" as Donald Trump talked of "America First".

Taking to Twitter, Surjewala asked, "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?"

The Congress party on Sunday, February 23, asked whether PM Modi would raise with him the issue of easing H-1B visas, restoration of GSP status and security concerns over Taliban. Surjewala went on to ask 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.

"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," Randeep Surjewala asked on Twitter.

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%

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
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020

Congress asks what about India's red lines

Randeep Surjewala 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," Randeep Surjewala 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 noted.

'Namaste Trump'

"Post 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' gala events, Will PM ensure restoration of GSP status," Randeep Surjewala asked.

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

Post 10 million ppl gala event,Will PM Modi ask for easing H-1B visas? pic.twitter.com/UOc2OwDMTS
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 23, 2020

Randeep Surjewala said that up 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, Randeep Surjewala alleged.

"As fest continues in Ahmedabad, Will Modiji secure cheaper oil for India," Randeep 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?" Randeep Surjewala asked.

US President Trump is scheduled to visit India on February 24 and 25. The President and First Lady will spend the first day of the trip in Ahmedabad and Agra before moving to the national capital for the official reception and bilateral talks.

(With agency inputs)