By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 23 Sep,2025

Introduction: A Double Blow for Indians

The Indian rupee has tumbled to a historic low against the US dollar, intensifying concerns about the country’s economic stability. To make matters worse, the recent hike in US visa fees has compounded the pressure, especially for students, professionals, and businesses with global connections. This double whammy not only impacts India’s foreign trade and investment climate but also directly affects the lives of millions who aspire to travel, study, or work abroad.

Rupee’s Fall: What Triggered the Decline?

The rupee’s latest slide comes amid a complex mix of global and domestic factors:

• Strong US Dollar: The US dollar has been strengthening due to the Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy and strong economic performance.

• Rising Oil Prices: India, a major importer of crude oil, is heavily impacted by rising global oil prices, increasing the demand for dollars and weakening the rupee.

• Capital Outflows: Global investors are pulling money out of emerging markets like India, seeking safer assets in the US.

• Domestic Inflation: Inflationary pressures at home further weaken investor confidence.

As a result, the rupee’s depreciation has crossed an all-time low, making imports costlier and widening the current account deficit.

The Visa Fee Hike: Adding Salt to the Wound

The United States recently announced a significant increase in visa application fees, particularly for work and study categories. For Indian students, IT professionals, and business travelers, this is a direct financial burden.

• Students: Already facing high tuition costs and living expenses in the US, Indian students now have to allocate extra funds just to secure visas.

• Professionals: IT employees and business delegates traveling frequently to the US are hit hard by recurring costs.

• Families: Many middle-class families, who dream of sending their children abroad, now see this dream slipping further away.

Combined with the weakening rupee, the higher visa fees mean that applicants end up paying much more in Indian currency terms than before.

Impact on Students and Professionals

The education and IT sectors are among the worst affected:

• Indian Students Abroad: With the rupee’s fall, tuition fees (calculated in dollars) become more expensive. A $50,000 course now costs significantly more in INR than it did a year ago.

• Indian IT Companies: Firms that send employees to the US for projects face increased operational costs.

• Startups and Entrepreneurs: Business expansion in the US becomes costlier, hitting India’s global competitiveness.

This situation may discourage many from pursuing opportunities in the US, or force them to seek alternatives in countries with lower costs.

Everyday Impact: Prices and Inflation

The weakening rupee doesn’t just hurt those going abroad—it touches the life of every Indian.

• Fuel Prices: Costlier crude imports mean petrol and diesel prices may rise further.

• Imported Goods: Electronics, smartphones, and luxury items become more expensive.

• Travel: International holidays become costlier for Indian families.

• Inflation: Everyday essentials, linked indirectly to imports, may see price hikes.

The rupee’s fall is therefore not an isolated issue but one that can ripple across the entire economy.

Government and RBI’s Response

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stepped in with measures to stabilize the currency. These include selling dollars from reserves and tightening monetary policies. The government, meanwhile, is working on strategies to:

• Boost exports, earning more foreign exchange.

• Attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

• Promote domestic manufacturing through schemes like “Make in India.”

However, experts caution that recovery will be slow as global conditions remain volatile.

Global Context: Not Just India

It’s important to note that India is not alone in facing currency depreciation. Many emerging economies like Turkey, South Africa, and Indonesia are also witnessing their currencies lose value against the dollar. However, given India’s large population and its reliance on imports, the impact here feels far more personal and widespread.

Public Sentiment: Frustration and Worry

For ordinary citizens, the situation is frustrating. Students are recalculating their education loans. Professionals are worried about future opportunities. Businesses are concerned about shrinking margins. Social media platforms are buzzing with complaints, memes, and debates on how the rupee’s weakness is denting India’s global image.

What Lies Ahead?

The rupee’s fall is unlikely to reverse overnight. Analysts predict continued volatility in the coming months. Much depends on:

• Global oil prices

• US Federal Reserve’s policies

• India’s domestic inflation and growth figures

While long-term reforms in manufacturing, exports, and energy independence could strengthen India’s position, short-term pain seems inevitable.

Conclusion: A Call for Resilience

The Indian rupee hitting a record low and the simultaneous US visa fee hike paints a grim picture for students, professionals, and businesses. But it also highlights the urgent need for India to strengthen its economic self-reliance. By investing in exports, energy security, and domestic growth, India can cushion itself against global shocks.

For now, citizens are bracing for higher costs, but with the right policies, India can turn this setback into an opportunity for long-term reform and resilience.