From $1,000 to $100,000: Trump’s Visa Fee Hike Rattles PM Modi, Who Urges Indians to Build at Home.

From $1,000 to $100,000: Trump’s Visa Fee Hike Rattles PM Modi, Who Urges Indians to Build at Home.

Around the World

The news as it trends.

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $100,000 annual fee for companies hiring H-1B visa workers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded with a renewed call for Indian self-reliance.

Speaking at the “Samudra se Samruddhi” event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Modi emphasized that India’s greatest enemy is not a foreign nation—but its dependence on others.

The fee hike, which could severely impact Indian tech workers abroad, appears to have rattled policymakers in New Delhi.

Modi’s speech urged citizens to embrace Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and reduce reliance on foreign systems, especially in critical sectors like technology and manufacturing.

He invoked the spirit of “Vishwanandhu”—a global yet self-sustaining vision for India—and stressed that from “chips to ships,” India must build its own future.

Modi also highlighted reforms in the maritime sector and port infrastructure, positioning India as a rising global powerhouse.

The timing of Trump’s visa overhaul and Modi’s speech suggests a strategic pivot: encouraging Indians to stay home, innovate locally, and strengthen national resilience.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.

See the video below.

#WATCH | Gujarat | Addressing a public rally in Bhavnagar, PM Modi says, “Duniya mein koi hamara bada dushman nahi hai. Agar hamara koi dushman hai toh woh hai dusre deshon par hamari nirbharta…”

“Today, India is moving forward with the spirit of ‘Vishwabandhu’. We have no… pic.twitter.com/f6zNRbN9Rc

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025