Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday called on the Congress to not politicize matters of national interest, after the US administration's recent moves to impose tariffs on India and tighten the H-1B visa norms.
Addressing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, without naming him in an X post, Rijiju reminded him that "when it comes to matters of national interests, we all must speak for India."
The minister made the remarks following former diplomat Kanwal Sibal's strong reaction to Kharge's statements regarding the US President Donald Trump's changes to the H-1B visa rules, including a huge hike in fees. These visas are predominantly sought by Indian professionals who work in the US.
Union Minister Rijiju said in a post on X, "Kanwal Sibal is highly intellectual, thoroughly sober and an erudite diplomat known for his sharp and highly pertinent views. I can understand his pain, which forced him to give this perfect piece of advice to Congress President. We have enough time and space to do politics but when it comes to national interests, we all must speak for India."
Earlier, Sibal said in a social media message, "Blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Trump's antagonistic steps against India rather than closing ranks against foreign bullying only weakens our resistance. Trump is being obnoxious to everyone, including his allies. See the way he has humiliated Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico etc. He thought he could get his way with India. Our resistance in pursuit of our national interest has rattled his bloated ego and unleashed his bullying nature."
"Is the Opposition against India refusing to be dictated on our foreign policy choices by the US? We have, unlike Pakistan, not done business deals involving his family and close associates to earn Trump's goodwill, which, in any case, cannot be relied upon. Why try to exploit a serious external challenge for domestic politicking? A lot has been achieved in the last many years in our ties with the US," he added.
Kharge had earlier attacked the Modi government on the tariff war with the US, saying it had not been able to secure the country's national interests. On the matter of the H-1B visa issue, Congress president said Indians are disturbed by the "gifts" PM Modi accepted after receiving a birthday phone call from President Trump last week.
As the ongoing tariff tensions and visa changes continue, the Indian government placed emphasis on the possible "humanitarian implications" of the H-1B revision.
"The government hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities," said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
Read also| Anjani Mishra to File Police Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi Over LoP Mobile Leak
Read also| Giriraj Singh labels Rahul Gandhi 'Urban Naxal', alleges he is inciting internal conflict
