The exchange of skilled professionals plays a vital role in India-U.S. relations and offers mutual advantages, New Delhi emphasized on Friday amidst ongoing discussions over H-1B visas, a topic recently addressed by President-elect Donald Trump and his supporter Elon Musk.

India, recognized for its extensive pool of IT professionals working globally, accounts for the majority of H-1B visas issued by the United States.

Last month, Trump expressed his full support for the H-1B visa program for foreign workers, despite opposition from some of his base. This followed a declaration by Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to fiercely defend the program.

Highlighting the shared benefits of these visas, India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated at a press briefing:
"Our nations enjoy a robust and expanding economic and technological partnership, where the mobility of skilled professionals is a key element. India-U.S. economic ties thrive on the technical expertise of skilled professionals, allowing both sides to harness their unique strengths and competitive advantages. We look forward to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit."

India accounted for approximately 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas granted by the U.S. in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.

Jaiswal also emphasized India's intent to deepen ties under Trump's administration, noting recent visits by India’s foreign minister and foreign secretary to the U.S., where they engaged with Trump's transition team.