India Urges : In a significant diplomatic move during the 14th India-US Trade Policy Forum in New Delhi, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal engaged with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai on pressing visa issues.
India has formally requested the United States to establish a permanent system allowing eligible applicants to renew H-1B visas locally, a substantial departure from the current requirement of returning to one’s home country.
India Urges for Visa Renewal
The dialogue also highlighted India’s concerns about the time-consuming visa processes faced by domestic businesses, prompting a call for the US to expedite and streamline the visa application process.
Minister Goyal emphasized the indispensable role of professional and skilled workers, business visitors, investors, and students in fostering bilateral economic and technological partnerships between the two nations.
A notable development is the exclusive pilot program focusing on principal H-1B visa holders, reflecting the US Department’s strategy to efficiently manage the visa renewal process.
Moreover, Minister Goyal raised challenges experienced by Indian business visitors and called for the augmentation of visa processing to facilitate smoother engagements.
The discussion also touched upon India’s request for treaty status in E1 and E2 visas for traders and investors, aiming to join the 87 treaty countries, including China, to expedite and simplify visa acquisition.
This dynamic and extensive exchange showcases India’s diplomatic efforts to secure permanent solutions for its visa-related challenges and strengthen the economic ties between India and the United States.
The outcome will likely shape the trajectory of bilateral collaborations in the realm of trade and investment.