**Rijiju Backs Ex-Diplomat, Rebuts Kharge’s H1-B Criticism**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 03:24 PM*
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has come out in support of former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal amid a heated debate over the Trump administration’s H1-B visa policy. Rijiju cited Sibal’s comments to counter Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of India’s foreign policy.
### Political Criticism Over H1-B Policy
Kharge recently slammed Prime Minister Modi for allegedly failing to safeguard India’s interests following the Trump administration’s introduction of new guidelines on the H1-B visa. Highlighting national discontent, Kharge remarked that Indians were upset with the so-called “gifts” Modi received from Trump on his birthday. He further criticized the government’s diplomatic approach, stating that “bear hugs” and “hollow slogans” do not amount to effective foreign policy.
### Diplomatic Response from Kanwal Sibal
In response, former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal defended Modi’s stance and criticized Trump’s actions against Indian interests. He argued that blaming the Prime Minister for Trump’s tough visa policies weakens India’s position against foreign pressure. Sibal noted that Trump has displayed a similar rude attitude toward multiple countries such as those in Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Mexico.
Sibal questioned the opposition’s motives, asking, “Is the opposition against India refusing to be dictated on our foreign policy choices by the US?” He also highlighted that, unlike Pakistan, India has not engaged in questionable business dealings with Trump’s family to gain favour. Sibal emphasized the importance of resisting domestic politicking over serious external challenges and underscored India’s substantial progress in relations with the United States over the years.
### Rijiju Endorses Sibal’s Views
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju publicly endorsed Kanwal Sibal’s perspective by sharing his post on X (formerly Twitter). In his message, Rijiju described Sibal as a “highly intellectual, thoroughly sober, and an erudite diplomat known for his sharp and highly pertinent views.” Rijiju acknowledged the difficulty of offering such advice to Kharge, stating, “We have enough time and space to do politics, but when it comes to national interests, we all must speak for INDIA.”
This statement highlights Rijiju’s call for unity in defending India’s national interests beyond partisan politics.
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https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/rijiju-backs-ex-diplomat-rebuts-kharge-s-h1-b-criticism/story
