India's foreign ministry said the US Department of Labor's actions on PERM
(permanent labor certification) are distinct from H-1B visas: suspending PERM
will not affect the status of existing H-1B holders or their dependents but may
delay employees' US permanent-residence (green-card) processes. New Delhi said
talent mobility benefits both countries, that Indian professionals are highly
educated and skilled contributors to US innovation, productivity and jobs, and
recent remarks described by the US vice president as lacking basis and
offensive. India said it will continue to monitor developments.
