Washington, USA: India has emphasized the mutual advantages of the H-1B visa program amidst recent discussions triggered by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk's support for it.

On January 3, New Delhi reaffirmed that the movement of skilled professionals is a vital aspect of the India-U.S. relationship, offering benefits to both nations. The remarks came in response to debates over the H-1B visa program, which Trump and Musk have recently weighed in on.

India, home to a large number of IT professionals who are spread across the globe, receives the majority of H-1B visas issued by the United States.

Last month, Trump expressed his strong support for the H-1B visa program, despite opposition from some of his supporters, while Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, vowed to "fight" to protect it.

India stated that the H-1B program yields significant mutual benefits.

During a press briefing, India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, explained, “Our nations share a robust and expanding economic and technological partnership, and within this context, the mobility of skilled professionals plays a crucial role. The exchange of technical expertise greatly benefits both countries, allowing us to leverage each other's strengths and competitive advantages. We are eager to further enhance the economic ties between India and the U.S., which are mutually beneficial.”

In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, India received approximately 78 percent of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued by the United States.

Jaiswal also noted that India is keen to continue strengthening its relationship with the U.S. under Trump, highlighting recent visits by India's foreign minister and foreign secretary to the United States, where they engaged with Trump's transition team.