New York: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, officials have confirmed. The meeting comes at a critical juncture in India-US relations, which have seen heightened tensions in recent months over trade and strategic concerns.

Ties between New Delhi and Washington have come under strain recently. Tensions peaked after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on select Indian exports, a move that came into effect on August 27, sparking concern within Indian trade and business circles.

The meeting also comes amid growing uncertainty in India’s tech sector, following the Trump administration's announcement of a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees, a policy widely seen as disruptive for Indian IT companies and professionals.

This will be the third face-to-face meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio in 2025.

What’s the latest on the H-1B visa issue?

The Trump administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas has caused widespread concern across the global tech industry. Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of H-1B holders, are among the most affected.

However, in a clarifying statement to IANS, a White House official said the fee is a "one-time" cost applicable only to new visa petitions during the upcoming lottery cycle. The official emphasised that the fee does not apply to renewals or to current visa holders.

“This is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle,” said the official.

Additionally, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X, stating, “Hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will not be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country.”

Who else is in Washington from India?

The meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio also coincides with the ongoing visit of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in the United States leading a high-level trade delegation. Goyal is holding parallel discussions aimed at resolving trade-related disputes and reviving negotiations on a long-pending bilateral trade agreement.

IANS inputs