How does the H-1B visa program affect US-India relations and what leverage does India have in negotiations with the Trump administration?

The H-1B visa program serves as a crucial element in US-India diplomatic relations, giving India significant leverage in negotiations. Despite some pushback from Trump's base who view the program as taking jobs from Americans, key figures including Trump and Elon Musk support maintaining the H-1B program, recognizing its importance for Indian tech workers. India's leverage stems from the large number of highly skilled Indian tech professionals working in the US under this visa program. Technology has become a major area of cooperation between the two nations in recent years. Any restrictions on the H-1B program would significantly impact this tech collaboration and could strain bilateral relations, making it a strategic priority for India to ensure the program remains intact.