Vance's 'indentured servants' remark deeply offensive: Government

New Delhi issued a vehement rebuke to US Vice President JD Vance after he labeled H-1B visa holders and foreign tech professionals as "foreign indentured servants." The Indian government deemed the characterization deeply offensive and unwarranted, dismissing it as insensitive to the colonial legacy. The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) stated that such terminology disregarded the fact that Indian professionals in the US are highly educated and skilled contributors to the nation's economy and innovation ecosystem.

They emphasized that resorting to colonial-era language is profoundly offensive. The Indian government reiterated that talent mobility is mutually beneficial to both countries, citing the creation of opportunities for Indian professionals and US companies. However, the announcement's timing is particularly sensitive, as it precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US for the G20 summit and just before Secretary of State Marco Rubio's trip to India.

This strong reaction from India signals a diminishing patience following a series of bilateral disagreements, ranging from trade issues to diplomatic tensions.