Sat Sep 20 12:11:37 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The Indian National Congress is criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in response to the U.S., under President Donald Trump, imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas. Congress leaders are framing this as a consequence of Modi’s perceived weak foreign policy and close relationship with Trump (“Abki baar, Trump sarkar”). They argue that this move, along with other U.S. policies, will negatively impact Indian tech workers and the Indian economy. They accuse Modi of prioritizing superficial displays of friendship over safeguarding India’s national interests and point to a broader pattern of the U.S. taking actions detrimental to India.

**News Article:**

**Trump’s H-1B Visa Fee Hike Sparks Outrage in India; Congress Accuses Modi of “Weak” Foreign Policy**

**New Delhi, September 20, 2025** – The Indian National Congress has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the U.S. government’s decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas for highly skilled workers. The opposition party argues that this move, spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, will disproportionately affect Indian tech professionals and is a direct consequence of Modi’s allegedly weak and ineffective foreign policy.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media platform X, directly addressing Mr. Modi and calling the visa fee hike a “birthday return gift” from Trump. He highlighted the potential economic losses for India, estimating ₹2.17 lakh crore across multiple sectors due to the new U.S. policies.

“Indians are pained by the return gifts you have received after the birthday call. Birthday Return Gifts from your Abki Baar, Trump Sarkar Govt!,” Kharge posted.

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments, also taking to X to state, “I repeat, India has a weak PM,” while sharing reports highlighting the detrimental impact of the H-1B fee increase on Indian workers.

Other Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Manish Tewari, have weighed in, further criticizing Modi’s approach to foreign relations. Gogoi contrasted Modi’s “strategic silence” with the “boldness” of former PM Manmohan Singh, while Tewari suggested a deliberate pattern of the U.S. taking actions detrimental to Indian interests. He cited the H-1B visa fee hike alongside other recent developments, including the U.S.’s role in a ceasefire between Pakistan and US, and the felicitation of the Pakistani Army chief in the White House, as signs of a deteriorating relationship.

Pawan Khera, another Congress leader, referenced a 2017 post by Gandhi where he said the H-1B visa issue had not figured in talks between Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi. “Eight years later, Rahul Gandhi is vindicated yet again. India is still stuck with a weak Prime Minister,” Khera said.

The Congress’s criticism underscores growing concerns within India about the direction of Indo-U.S. relations under the Trump administration, particularly its impact on the Indian technology sector. The opposition is framing the H-1B visa fee hike as evidence of Modi’s failure to protect Indian interests on the global stage and his over-reliance on personal relationships with world leaders.

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