Sun Sep 21 09:02:31 UTC 2025: **Headline: Congress Questions Modi’s Response to Trump’s India-Pakistan “Solution” Claims and H-1B Concerns Ahead of National Address**

**New Delhi – September 21, 2025:** As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to address the nation at 5:00 PM today, the Congress party has launched a pre-emptive strike, questioning whether he will address controversial claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the India-Pakistan conflict and the looming crisis for Indian H-1B visa holders in the U.S.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, accused Trump of repeatedly claiming credit for resolving tensions between India and Pakistan through trade leverage, specifically referencing “Operation Sindoor.” Trump has stated, both in the U.S. and abroad, that increased trade with America forced an end to the conflict and that he ended seven wars. This comes after Trump claimed on social media in May that the India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after mediation by Washington. India has consistently refuted any third-party involvement in resolving the conflict and that direct talks were held between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries.

Ramesh questioned whether Modi will address these claims, along with the “increasingly fraught Indo-US relationship” and the concerns of “lakhs of Indian H-1B holders” facing a steep increase in visa fees.

The Trump administration has announced a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, a move that could significantly impact skilled Indian professionals seeking employment in the U.S. While the administration clarified the fee applies only to new petitions and not current visa holders, it has still raised considerable alarm.

Furthermore, Trump has repeatedly asserted he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering peace in multiple conflicts globally, including between India and Pakistan, Thailand and Cambodia and many more. He attributed his success to the use of trade leverage.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). An understanding between India and Pakistan was reached on May 10 to end the conflict, following four days of intense cross-border strikes.

Ramesh also questioned whether Modi will offer assurances to farmers and workers potentially impacted by U.S. tariffs, or whether his address will simply reiterate details about the revised GST rates, set to take effect tomorrow. The PMO has not disclosed the specific topic of Modi’s address, leaving the nation to speculate.

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