India Slams JD Vance’s ‘Indentured Servants’ Remark, Questions US Action Against 8 IT Firms

India on Friday strongly objected to US Vice-President JD Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants,” calling the terminology “deeply offensive” and saying it disregards the significant contributions of Indian professionals to the American economy and innovation ecosystem.

In a statement responding to the US Department of Labor’s decision concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised the mutual benefits of talent mobility between India and the United States.

The MEA stated that the movement of skilled professionals creates opportunities for Indians while also helping US companies access cutting-edge talent. It contributes to innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, job creation and shareholder wealth in the United States.

“This is therefore an area of tremendous mutual benefit for the two countries,” the ministry said, adding that the steps announced by the US do not advance the shared ambitions of both countries.

Responding separately to questions about Vance’s remarks, the MEA said such descriptions were unwarranted and ignored the role of highly educated and skilled Indian professionals in strengthening the US economy and innovation ecosystem.

The ministry also highlighted the historical contribution of immigrants to America’s growth and prosperity, noting that generations of immigrants have helped shape the country through their labour, enterprise and innovation.

Calling the terminology deeply offensive, India said the phrase “indentured servants” carries painful historical and colonial connotations and fails to recognise the value of Indian professionals working in the United States.

The diplomatic exchange comes after the US Department of Labor suspended eight major IT companies—Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe—from the Permanent Labor Certification Programme on Thursday.

The development has raised concerns about the treatment of skilled foreign workers and the broader implications for talent mobility and economic cooperation between India and the United States.