Indian Nationals Comprise Over 72 Percent of H1B Visas Issued from October 2022 to September 2023

Indian nationals were granted 72.3% of all H1B visas issued by the US from October 2022 to September 2023, as reported to the Rajya Sabha using data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Indian government is actively engaging with the US administration and other stakeholders regarding the H1B visa programme through bilateral dialogue mechanisms, according to Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.

In response to a query about potential restrictions on the H1B visa programme, Singh confirmed ongoing discussions with the US government. The movement of skilled Indian professionals has been beneficial for both India and the United States, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. The significant percentage of H1B visas issued to Indian nationals underscores this mutual benefit.

Impact on Indian Students Abroad

Before the conflict in Ukraine, there were 21,928 Indian students in the country. As of November 1, 2024, only 1,802 students remained enrolled in Ukrainian universities. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar provided this data while addressing a separate query about Indian students affected by conflicts in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine.

Approximately 900 Indian students are currently studying in Israel, primarily engaged in PhD or Postdoctoral studies in STEM fields. Following attacks on October 7, 2023, India initiated Operation Ajay to ensure the safe return of its nationals. Under this operation, 1,309 Indians returned home, including 768 students. Most have since returned to Israel to continue their studies.

Return of Indian Migrants

The Ministry of External Affairs was questioned about Indian migrants returning over the past five years due to economic downturns abroad. However, Singh stated that data on such returns due to employment loss or economic instability is unavailable. Reintegration efforts for these migrants fall under state governments' responsibilities.

Various state governments have developed strategies to reintegrate workers returning from overseas. These initiatives aim to support individuals transitioning back into local economies after facing challenges abroad.

Ceasefire and Humanitarian Efforts

No Indian students are currently in Palestine. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, a ceasefire agreement was announced on January 15, 2025, taking effect on January 19, 2025. Jaishankar expressed hope that this would lead to sustained humanitarian aid for Gaza's people and reiterated calls for hostages' release and a return to diplomatic dialogue.

The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for releasing hostages and facilitating humanitarian assistance. India's stance remains supportive of peaceful resolutions and continued diplomatic engagement in conflict regions.