New Delhi: Government on Thursday said it has
conveyed to US its concerns over hike in fees of `H1B` and `L`
visas and the adverse impact it is likely to cause on travel
plans of Indian companies.
In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, External Affairs
Minister S M Krishna said that the "government has conveyed to
the US government its concerns on the possible adverse impact
of the hike in fees of HIB and L visas".
The hike in visa fees is of concern especially to Indian
companies, which are one of the main beneficiaries of the
travel permits.
Krishna said India`s concerns were conveyed during
regular consultations between the two countries in bilateral
and economic forums and multilateral trade negotiations for
expansion and consolidation of ties in goods and services
sectors.
He recalled President Barack Obama`s visit to India last
year when both the sides had committed to take steps to
enhance technological and economic partnership.
"As stated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US
President Barack Obama during his visit to India in November
last year, two sides remain committed to taking steps to
reduce trade barriers and protectionist measures, encourage
research and innovation, facilitate greater movement of
professionals to enhance technological and economic
partnership," he said.
Krishna said India`s economic policies, including with
regard to foreign direct investment in India, were guided
solely by national interest and economic development goals.
PTI
