JD Vance’s ‘Indentured Servants’ Remark Sparks India’s Strong Response
New Delhi, 9th October 2026: India has strongly objected to US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks describing H-1B workers as “foreign indentured servants,” calling the language unwarranted and deeply offensive. The criticism comes amid Washington’s decision to suspend pending PERM applications linked to eight technology companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the terminology was not only objectionable but also ignored the contribution of Indian professionals to the US economy, innovation and workforce. New Delhi stressed that Indian professionals are highly skilled and that restrictions on talent mobility do not serve the interests of either country.
Vance made the comments while announcing that the US government would not process new or pending permanent labour certification applications involving the affected companies. The PERM programme is generally an early step for employers seeking employment-based green cards for foreign workers.
Vance also targeted Microsoft directly, alleging that the company had used the H-1B system to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. The company has rejected the allegations, calling them false and saying it complies with all applicable laws.
The development has intensified concerns among Indian technology professionals in the United States, particularly those awaiting green-card processing. While the suspension affects the PERM certification route, it does not amount to a blanket cancellation of existing H-1B visas or an immediate change in the status of current holders and their dependents.
For Indian IT firms, the move adds fresh uncertainty at a time when US immigration policy is already under close scrutiny. The suspension affects new filings and pending cases, leaving companies and skilled professionals uncertain about future pathways to permanent residency.
