US Green Card Row: India Calls JD Vance’s ‘Indentured Servants’ Remark ‘Deeply Offensive’; What It Means for Indian Professionals

India on Friday severely condemned the description used by US Vice President JD Vance to refer to foreign workers as “indentured servants”, terming it “deeply offensive” since it ignores the contributions made by Indians to the economy and innovation of America.

This comes as part of reactions by the Ministry of External Affairs of India amid the increasing strain as a result of the decision by the Trump administration to exclude eight key technology and IT services firms from the United States Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) program, which is part of the employment-based green card process.

According to the Indian government, skilled professionals from India have made huge contributions to the USA and have played a vital role in its development through their innovation and contributions to the economic development of the country.

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Why Did India Call JD Vance’s ‘Indentured Servants’ Remark Deeply Offensive?

In response to queries regarding Vance’s remarks, the MEA highlighted the highly educated and skilled contributions of Indian professionals to the economic growth of the nation.

“We do not believe that such characterizations are appropriate and fail to take into account the fact that Indian professionals are highly educated and skilled contributors to the US economy and innovation ecosystem,” MEA noted.

The ministry highlighted the contribution of immigrants across generations towards the development and prosperity of America.

“After all, the history of the United States is a product of generations of immigrants who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the country through their hard work, entrepreneurship, and innovations. It is quite offensive to use such terminologies which carry colonial implications and historical connotations,” MEA added.

The response of India to such remarks highlights its displeasure at language which is perceived as dismissive towards the contribution of Indian professionals to the economic growth of the nation. These remarks come at a time when Washington is increasing pressure on employment-based immigration programs and utilization of foreign workforce by major technology firms.

What Did JD Vance Say About Foreign Workers?