India Seeks Faster Visa Processing for Businesses in Trade Policy Forum Meeting with U.S.

During the 14th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting held in New Delhi on January 12, India raised concerns regarding the timely issuance of visas for U.S. visits by domestic businesses. The meeting, co-chaired by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, aimed to discuss various trade-related issues.

India emphasized the importance of facilitating the movement of professionals, skilled workers, students, investors, and business visitors between the two countries to bolster bilateral economic and technological cooperation. Minister Goyal pointed out challenges faced by Indian business visitors due to visa processing delays and urged the U.S. to expedite the process.

Recognizing the role of professional services in enhancing bilateral trade, the ministers discussed the importance of recognizing professional qualifications and experience to promote services trade.

Both nations also agreed to establish a mechanism to reduce non-tariff barriers, aiming to boost bilateral trade. India raised concerns about the ban on the export of wild-caught shrimps, affecting Indian fishermen and exports. They decided to establish a Joint Facilitative Mechanism (JFM) to address non-tariff barriers by mutually recognizing results from International Laboratories and bilateral mutual recognition arrangements.

Additionally, the meeting discussed fast-tracking the social security totalization agreement, launching joint initiatives in various areas, and increasing inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in India to pre-pandemic levels, especially in the pharma sector, where the U.S. is a key export market for India.