NEW DELHI(TIP): During the inaugural 2+2 dialogue on Thursday, India flagged its concerns about pending changes in the US Congress to H1B visas and H4 visas for spouses that could severely impact Indians working in America.

Sources said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj raised the issue ‘forcefully’. India made a case of the track record and contribution of its diaspora to American society, asking the Donald Trump administration to take a favorable view on the matter.

“Specifically, I conveyed our expectation for a non-discriminatory and predictable approach to the H1B visa regime,” said Swaraj in her press statement.

Officials privy to the discussion mentioned that the American delegation led by Secretary of State Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis, acknowledged the positive role of the diaspora.

“I have mentioned this to Secretary Pompeo that on the basis of the friendship which exists between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indians believe that America will not work against their interest,” Swaraj said.

“The US leaders assured it is review of the entire US immigration system and not specifically targeted at one country… there have been no significant reductions in the number of H1B visas so far,” said a highly placed source.