Govt has conveyed concern to US on hike in visa fees: Krishna

NEW DELHI: Government on Thursday said it has conveyed to US its concerns over hike in fees of 'H1-B' 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 H1-B 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.