What's new

10th India and United States Trade Policy Forum

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/us-delegation-to-visit-next-week-4889498/

The delegation comprising 11 lawmakers is being led by Congressman Lamar Smith, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. During the four-day visit, beginning October 15, the delegation will visit Bengaluru and New Delhi.

By: Express News Service | New Delhi | Published:October 14, 2017 4:54 am

A US Congressional delegation is scheduled to visit India next week to discuss key issues like cyber-security and space cooperation. The delegation comprising 11 lawmakers is being led by Congressman Lamar Smith, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. During the four-day visit, beginning October 15, the delegation will visit Bengaluru and New Delhi.

In Bengaluru, the lawmakers will focus on cooperation in the space sector. In Delhi, they plan to talk with the Indian leadership on cyber security and information technology. Other members of the delegation include Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher, Mo Brooks, Ami Bera, Thomas Massie, Brian Babin, Barbara Comstock, Mark Sanford and Darren Soto.
 
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...a-issue-with-us-officials/article19855778.ece
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has raised the issue of reforms in the H-1B and L1 visa processes during his talks with U.S. Treasury and Commerce Secretaries and asked them to appreciate the contributions of Indian professionals to America’s economy.

Mr. Jaitley, who is in the U.S on a week-long tour, held meetings with his U.S. counterpart and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. He spoke on the structural reforms India had undertaken through a series of measures, including the GST.

He also highlighted the contributions made by Indian professionals in the U.S., and said this must be suitably appreciated by the U.S., a statement said.

He made a strong case for reforms in H-1B/L-1 visa processes and social security contribution so that high calibre Indian professionals serving American interest are not unfairly deprived of their well-earned money, the statement said.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.

It is the most sought after by Indian IT professionals.

The L-1 visa facilitates the temporary transfer of foreign worker in the managerial, executive or specialised knowledge category to the U.S. to continue employment with an office of the same employer, its parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.

During his election campaign, President Donald Trump had promised to increase oversight of our H-1B and L-1 visa programmes.

Earlier, the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Subhash Chandra Garg delivered a keynote address on micro-pension where he highlighted the big challenge of convincing policymakers and the potential young persons needing pension after their active life.

He appreciated the efforts of organisers in bringing a well-researched book as country and thematic reforms action needed to realise the dream of providing pensions to over 1.2 billion people world-wide.

Secretary (DEA) also met with the CEO, World Bank; CEO, Global Infrastructure Hub and the executive vice-president and CEO, MIGA besides the India World Bank team led by vice-president South Asia.
 
Ministry of Finance
14-October, 2017 20:08 IST
The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley addresses the Special Event hosted by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum on ‘Indian Economy: Prospect and Challenges’ in Washington D.C.; FM: With the cyclical recovery in global growth amid supportive monetary conditions and the transient impact of the major structural reforms over, India will continue to perform robustly.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley also addressed the Special Event hosted by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum on ‘Indian Economy: Prospect and Challenges’ in Washington D.C. yesterday.. He said that the big reforms undertaken by the Government for raising economic growth and maintaining macroeconomic stability have made India as one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. He said that the launch of the GST represents an historic economic and political achievement, unprecedented in Indian tax and economic reforms, which has rekindled optimism on structural reforms. He further emphasized that India carried-out such major reforms when the Global Economy was slow. With the cyclical recovery in global growth amid supportive monetary conditions and the transient impact of the major structural reforms over, India will continue to perform robustly, the Minister added.

On the side lines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, the Finance Minister Shri Jaitley also held bilateral meetings with the Italian Minister for Economy and Finance, Australian Treasurer and the Iranian Minister for Economy and Finance, and discussed areas of mutual collaboration, issues being faced by Investment and projects being undertaken by the respective countries and commonality of their positions in various multilateral fora.

The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg also attended the IMFC Introductory Session on Global Developments and Prospects and the IMF Session on Early Warning Exercise. Besides, Secretary (EA) also held meetings with the Head of Asia Pacific Department of IMF.

The Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jiatley is currently on a one week official tour to Washington D.C. to attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other associated meetings. He is accompanied by Dr. Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI; Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg and other officials.

***


Ministry of Finance14-October, 2017 20:04 IST
Text of the Statement of the Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley made at the Annual Meetings' Plenary Session in Washington D.C.





The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley today along with the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg participated in the 2016 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings Plenary which was held at the historic DAR Constitution Hall, Washington D.C. Text of the Statement of the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley made at the Annual Meetings Plenary Session yesterday in Washington D.C is as follows:

2017 Annual Meetings Plenary

Statement by Mr. Arun Jaitley,

Governor of the Fund and the Bank for India


Representing the Constituency of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Sri Lanka.

  1. “ Since we met in April 2017, we find it reassuring that economic recovery has gathered pace. Global GDP growth is poised to increase in 2017 and 2018 with improving traction in growth performance in Euro area, Japan, emerging Asia and Europe as well as in the Russian Federation. While the persistence of low productivity and potential growth in advanced economies (AEs) remains worrisome, growth in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) is expected to recover going forward. The prospects in commodity exporting countries continue to remain challenging due to ongoing adjustments to low commodity prices. India will continue to perform robustly on the back of credible macroeconomic adjustments and structural reforms.
  2. We are happy to note that the near-term global financial stability has also strengthened due to cyclical recovery in global growth amid supportive monetary conditions. On the other hand, although improved capital and liquidity buffers have enhanced the health of the banking sector in general, many of them continue to grapple with legacy problems and low profitability. Moreover, financial risks stemming from the rapidly raising leverage of the private non-financial sector amid low interest rates have increased medium-term risks to financial stability. Sudden reversal of monetary accommodation by AEs could increase policy strains in EMDEs. The risks of growing populism and consequential loss in trade volumes will affect global recovery adversely - and it is incumbent upon all of us to foster cooperative multilateral efforts to boost fair trade practices.
  3. The growth in the US and the Euro area is expected to improve in 2017 compared to 2016. The recovery in Japan is continuing and is likely to get better in 2017 on the back of stronger domestic and external demand. It is now well understood that monetary policy accommodation alone may not be enough to re-energize growth in AEs, and structural reforms in alignment with growth supportive fiscal policies would enhance productivity and potential growth.


  1. Improved momentum in the Chinese economy during the first half of this year due to rising domestic demand is reassuring for global growth, although the risks to financial stability owing to large overhang of financial leverage require close monitoring. Going forward, Brazil is expected to overcome recession and Russia is likely to grow robustly this year on recovery of domestic and external demand. Sub-Saharan economies are also likely to improve their performances this year. As for the Indian economy, the sound fundamentals and number of progressive policy initiatives taken in the last few months will provide the basis for a strong prognosis and convergence with growth potential.


  1. Growth in EMDEs is poised to strengthen this year. However, commodity-exporting countries among them remain challenged by their ongoing adjustments to declining export earnings. Policy frameworks would have to be strengthened by implementing structural policies in alignment with fiscal policies such as promoting growth friendly investments and/ or building buffers where the fiscal space is limited. At the same time, proactive micro and macro prudential policies would be needed to sharpen risk management practices to reduce financial vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.


  1. Low income countries are expected to perform robustly this year and would benefit from growth enhancing structural reforms and durable fiscal adjustments while efforts to reduce financial vulnerabilities will strengthen resilience. We have serious concerns about the prolonged accommodative monetary policies in AEs, and especially their disruptive effects on financial markets and spillovers in the event of abrupt normalization. EMDEs could face increased volatility in capital flows and financial instability. Central banks in major advanced economies should, therefore, follow a well communicated strategy for exit keeping in mind the concerns of other countries.


  1. The risks to global financial and economic stability have significant implications for IMF’s operations, in terms of growing amplitude of financial crisis, and owing to increasing vulnerability of the international monetary system (IMS) to emerging transitions and growing complexity of economic and financial linkages which could cause correlated financial crises/ contagion – placing large demands on IMF resources. The Fund needs to be adequately resourced to meet these demands while functioning as a strong quota based institution. Presently, the Fund's resource base is overly tilted towards borrowed resources and must be realigned appropriately in favor of quotas going forward. At the same time, there is an urgent case for revising quota shares in favor of dynamic emerging market countries in line with global economic realities to maintain fairness in the governance structure of the Fund. We hope that all this can be accomplished as part of the 15th General Review of Quotas (GRQ). We should make every effort to complete the 15th Review by the agreed timeline of 2019 Annual Meetings.


  1. Similarly, for the World Bank Group (WBG), a delayed but unanimously agreed Lima Roadmap had envisaged to see a conclusion of the 2015 shareholding review by Annual Meetings 2017. While we note that we failed to deliver it, given the progress that has been made so far, we strongly urge all to commit to deliver an equitable conclusion of this process for both the IBRD and IFC by the Spring Meetings 2018. Any further delay in concluding the review will risk not only development in the client countries but the existence and leadership of both Bank and IFC in MDBs.


  1. Delay in concluding the voice realignment is coupled with risks and delays to the critical agenda of capital increase. The possibility of generating sufficient resources through the management levers has had only a marginal impact given the scale of capital requirement, and hence, early capital infusion into WBG is an imperative. We look for an expeditious decision on capital enhancement through both selective capital increase (SCI) and general capital increase (GCI) for both the IBRD and IFC, by Spring Meetings 2018.


  1. In the context of augmenting resources for development finance, we share the basic premise of the MFD (Maximizing Finance for Development) paper that private sector solutions need to be mainstreamed and leveraged for this purpose. However, we feel that the excessive emphasis on the ‘Cascade Approach’ to determine suitability of the financing source and mechanism does not have potential to make a big difference. Applying cascade approach to every project posed to the World Bank will lead to considerable delay. We should be careful in applying this approach especially to social sector projects”.


The Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jiatley is currently on a one week official tour to Washington D.C. to attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other associated meetings. He is accompanied by Dr. Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI; Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg and other officials.

********************
 
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Ec...ays-jaitley/article19865316.ece?homepage=true


“Both, those inside the government and the US companies, have shown great interest in investing in India now,” Jaitley said.

There is a great interest about India in the United States and among its investors, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said, adding that the relationship between the two countries was a “mature” one.

“There is a great interest about India in the US and among its investors,” Mr. Jaitley told reporters as he winded up his week-long visit to the U.S. during which he had meetings with US treasury secretary and the commerce secretary, addressed students of the Columbia and Harvard Universities and interacted with investors and American corporate leaders in New York, Boston, and Washington DC.

“Both, those inside the government and the US companies, have shown great interest in investing in India now,” he said.

Mr. Jaitley, who led a high_powered Indian delegation to the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, said that the US companies are investing in India in a big way.

“You have Indians investing in the US, you have US companies investing in India. And, in November, a large contingent of US corporates are coming to India to invest,” he said.

According to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) figures, India was US’ ninth largest trading partner with the total two-way trade of $67.7 billion last year

It is loaded in favour of India, which runs a surplus of $24 billion.

Mr. Jaitley said the relationship between India and the US on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was a “mature” one.

“..and expansion of key sectors like aviation and defence would play a key role in increasing the bilateral trade to $500 billion per annum,” he said.

The finance minister said India was among the largest recipients of FDI since it had “one of the most open policies as far as investment is concerned.”

“I’m quite sure that we will continue to get the benefit of that investment,” he said.

“I think it’s a strategic relationship which is bound to be further consolidated,” he said.

During his week-long visit, the minister had more than a dozen meetings in addition to his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank meetings.

The finance minister said that India’s capacity to undertake structural reforms even in a globally adverse environment was being appreciated globally.

“This is a fact which almost the whole body of investors and also a large number of my counterparts in other parts of the world acknowledges,” he said.

“If areas like defence, civil aviation, which are very high investment areas, if you see investment pouring into those areas, it is obviously going to have an impact,” he said.
 
Ministry of Science & Technology
17-October, 2017 18:32 IST
“Technology is a strong priority area, Aim is to make science people-centric”: Dr. Harsh Vardhan

U.S Congressional delegation calls on Science & Technology Minister

Reiterating that technology is a strong priority area for the Government, Union Minister of Department of Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that the aim of the Government is to make science people-centric. Interacting with a visiting U.S Congressional delegation led by Rep Lamar Smith, Chairman, Committee on Space and Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that technology is the driving force in India. He told the delegation that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is working on 200 technologies.

“There are nearly one million Indian origin scientists and engineers working in the United States”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said. The Minister also said that the process of ‘brain drain’ has now been reversed to ‘brain gain’, as many young scientists have started returning to India. Dr. Harsh Vardhan also emphasized that core activities could be scaled up only if the funding is enhanced.

The two sides discussed ways and means to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of science and technology.

While the Indian delegation was represented by Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Dr. K. VijayRaghavan, Director General, CSIR, Dr. Girish Sahni and Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Head, International Cooperation (Bilateral), the US Congressional delegation was represented by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, Rep. Mo Brooks, Rep. Thomas Massie, Rep. Ami Bera, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. Barbara Comstock, Rep. Mark Sanford and Rep. Darren Soto.

***

The US Congressional delegation led by the Chairman, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Mr. Lamar Smith meeting the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi on October 17, 2017.
s20171017115463.jpg

The US Congressional delegation led by the Chairman, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Mr. Lamar Smith meeting the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi on October 17, 2017.
s20171017115464.jpg
 
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...-delegation/story-WzBlR1VY9WRe8TsetnsX1N.html
Updated: Oct 17, 2017 15:03 IST
Press Trust of India, New Delhi

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday flagged the H-1B visa issue as a “strong concern” during a meeting with a visiting US Congressional delegation and sought bipartisan support for it.

The 9-member US congressional delegation from the house committee on science, space and technology is led by its chairman Lamar Smith, ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

“Swaraj flagged the issue of H-1B visa as a strong concern and sought bipartisan Congressional support for the same,” he said in a series of tweets.

During his recent visit to the US, finance minister Arun Jaitley had also raised the issue during his meetings, and had said “those coming from India on H-1B visas are high value professionals, who contribute immensely to the US economy. They are not illegal economic immigrants, about whom there is concerns in the US. They come here legally.”

The US must decide appropriately while taking a decision on its visa policy, he had asserted.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations. It is the most sought after by Indian IT professionals.

The minister also welcomed the strong desire of the delegation to strengthen cooperation in strategic, economic, science and technology, and space sectors.

She lauded the positive role of the US Congress in developing India-US strategic relations, Kumar tweeted.
 
Washington, October 25, 2017 21:49 IST
Updated: October 25, 2017 21:50 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...als-tougher/article19919560.ece?homepage=true


New rules require a petitioner to re-substantiate his application during renewal

Fresh changes in rules notified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for renewal of non-immigrant visas will severely impact H-1B visa holders. Petitions for renewal of H-1B visas, particularly when the underlying facts that supported the original petition have not changed, are currently considered with a presumption of approval, but that will no longer be the case, USISC said in a statement issued Monday late. Consequently, the burden of proof will be on the petitioner to substantiate his application even when nothing has changed since the previous petition.

The new rules are in line with the Donald Trump administration’s Buy American, Hire American policy, USCIS said. Increasing restrictions on H-1B visa programme remains a point of concern in the India-US relations, as a majority of these guest workers are Indians. The new changes were announced even as a comprehensive review the H-1B programme is underway.

“The updated guidance instructs officers to apply the same level of scrutiny when reviewing nonimmigrant visa extension requests even where the petitioner, beneficiary and underlying facts are unchanged from a previously approved petition. While adjudicators may ultimately reach the same conclusion as in a prior decision, they are not compelled to do so as a default starting point as the burden of proof to establish eligibility for an immigration benefit always lies with the petitioner,” a statement by the USCIS said.

“USCIS officers are at the front lines of the administration’s efforts to enhance the integrity of the immigration system,” said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. “This updated guidance provides clear direction to help advance policies that protect the interests of U.S. workers.”

The new rules will impact all changes sought by H-1B visa holders, said Karthik, a New Jersey Indian American who did not want to give his last name, as companies bar temporary workers from commenting on the issue. Primarily, an H-1B worker goes to the USCIS for three types of changes to his status - amendment, transfer and renewal. Amendments are sought when an H-1B employee changes the location within the same company; transfer is sought when he moves from one company to another, and a renewal is sought at the expiry of the visa, which is usually issued for three years at the beginning. “…adjudicators must thoroughly review the petition and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for the benefit sought,” the USCIS has said.

The previous policy — which has been in force for 13 years — instructed officers to give deference to the findings of a previously approved petition, as long as the key elements were unchanged and there was no evidence of a material error or fraud related to the prior determination. The updated policy guidance rescinds the previous policy.

The burden of proof in establishing eligibility for the visa petition extension is on the petitioner, regardless of whether USCIS previously approved a petition, the agency said. “The adjudicator’s determination is based on the merits of each case, and officers may request additional evidence if the petitioner has not submitted sufficient evidence to establish eligibility.”

DH News Service, New Delhi, Oct 25 2017, 21:49 IST
618xNx639310_thump.jpg.pagespeed.ic.xi4l2neknS.jpg

Tillerson, on his maiden visit to India after taking over as US Secretary of State, met Sushma at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan. PTI Photo

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/639310/dont-alter-h-1b-visa.html


The United States should refrain from changing the rules for its H-1 and L-1 visas that would inconvenience Indian professionals, New Delhi has said on Wednesday.

New Delhi also urged the Trump administration to end the impasse over the totalisation agreement to help the half a million Indians working on non-immigration visas avoid double taxation on social security.

In her meeting with the visiting Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj conveyed India’s concerns over the proposed changes to H-1B and L-1 visa programmes by the Trump administration that would constrain skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States.

Tillerson, on his maiden visit to India after taking over as US Secretary of State, met Sushma at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan.

“We also discussed (during the meeting) the very significant contribution to the US economy of Indian skilled professionals who travel and work under H-1B and L-1 visa programmes,” Sushma said in a joint press conference with Tillerson.

Trump’s ‘America first’ rhetoric and promise to protect US jobs raised concerns back home that his policies would hit Indian IT professionals harder.


On March 31, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a guidance policy memorandum on “H-1B computer related positions” asking petitioners sponsoring computer programmers to offer proof that the position sought is a specialized occupation.

This would potentially restrict American companies to import foreign professionals through H1B visa programme to work in its IT industry.

On April 18, Trump issued an executive order -“Buy American and Hire American”- calling various departments of his administration to rigorously enforce laws on foreign workers’ entry into the US to create higher wages and rate of employment for locals.

The order also asked US officials to suggest reforms to ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid beneficiaries.

The US has also laid severe restrictions to renew non-immigrant visas like H-1B and L-1 by putting the onus of proof on the applicants even when they seek extension.

The US Congress is currently considering six Bills that seek to change the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes to restrict foreign professionals to stay and work in America.

While asking the administration to refrain from making further changes to the visa regimes, India has also urged US lawmakers to resist any such moves in the Congress.

“I have also sought Secretary Tillerson’s support for resolution of long-pending issue of totalization and asked that nothing such should be done by US which adversely affects India’s interests,” Sushma said.

In 2015, India and the US resumed negotiations on a totalization agreement but made no headway.

Washington rejected New Delhi’s contention to take schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Employees Provident Fund Organization and others to determine the size of the population covered under social security scheme.

Since the schemes are optional, the US is not obligated to negotiate a totalisation agreement with India, Washington had argued, pointing out that less than half of India’s population is covered by the social security schemes.
 
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
28-October, 2017 15:06 IST
India and US Hold 11th Trade Policy Forum Meeting in Washington D.C. On October 26TH

The 11th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting was held in Washington D.C. on 26th October 2017. The Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu had productive discussions with the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer and his team in a cordial, friendly and positive manner. The Minister for Commerce and Industry noted that the TPF serves as a robust platform that contributes towards promoting bilateral trade and investment between India and the US. During the meeting, discussions were held on issues related to bilateral trade between the two countries, areas of mutual cooperation, market access in agriculture, non-agricultural goods and services and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

On the United States concerns related to trade deficit with India, the Minister for Commerce and Industry pointed out that the issue of trade deficit should be viewed in the larger context of the growing economic and strategic partnership between the two countries that has grown and strengthened in recent years. India has made significant investments in the US and Indian skilled workers and students make important contributions to the US economy. He pointed out that as the Indian economy grows, and with the renewed emphasis on reviving US manufacturing, there will be greater opportunities for US exports to India. In this context, he pointed out that India has already started to import crude oil and new Liquefied Natural Gas exports are expected to commence early next year. Indian aviation companies such as Spicejet and Jet Airways have placed orders for over 300 aircrafts valued at several billions of dollars. The Minister for Commerce and Industry noted that these developments will go a long way in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi and President Trump’s desire to have a free, fair and balanced trade between India and the US.

Both Ambassador Lighthizer and the Minister for Commerce and Industry welcomed these positive developments and reiterated the growth potential for bilateral trade. On market access in areas of interest to each other, the Minister for Commerce and Industry noted progress on issues like ground handling operations, import regulations relating to poultry, export of pork to India, that have been raised by the US side. He also sought easing of procedure for export of Indian mangoes and pomegranates and market access for table grapes from India.

The Minister for Commerce and Industry strongly took up the Indian concern with regard to problems faced by Indian services companies in obtaining H-1B and L-1 visas. He requested the US to ease the movement of skilled professionals, which has over the years contributed towards making US companies more competitive. He also took up the issue of mismatch between U.S. visa and U.S. social security regimes, wherein Indian professionals making social security contributions do not receive their due benefits upon their return to India. He urged the United States to revisit its position and work towards achieving a totalisation agreement

The Minister for Commerce and Industry also highlighted the series of economic reforms undertaken by Prime Minister Modi, such as Goods and Services Tax, Make in India, Startup India and ‘Fund of Funds for Startups’ (FFS), Digital India, e-commerce, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, FDI reforms, improved business and investment climate which have led to significant investment inflows into India. On the issue of IPR in India, the Minister for Commerce and Industry drew attention to the National IPR Policy 2016, which lays down the roadmap for future development in the field of IPRs, and is a major step towards strengthening the IPR ecosystem in India, including improvements in procedures, timelines and resolution of disputes.

While responding to U.S. concerns on price controls on medical devices, the Minister for Commerce and Industry mentioned about the need to bring about a balance between the demand for optimum medical facilities and affordable health care to its citizens. India desires to address the concerns of providing affordable health care to its citizens and balancing it with the need to introduce high end technology. He encouraged American companies and manufacturers of medical devices to establish manufacturing facilities in India. He also pointed out that the Draft Pharmaceutical Policy addresses many of the US concerns and sought comments from industry stakeholders on the draft policy.

The Minister for Commerce and Industry also sought the support of the U.S. to India’s proposal on the Trade Facilitation in Services Agreement which has been tabled by India at the WTO.

At the conclusion of TPF, both Ministers decided that the two countries will continue to work towards building strong trade and investment ties to realize mutual gains from the partnership. The talks were held in a friendly and cooperative environment, with both sides expressing the desire to reduce the existing gaps and work towards resolution of the outstanding issues before the next round of the TPF.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...h-us-prabhu/article19937770.ece?homepage=true

The U.S. has tightened the norms for issuing the most sought-after H1B and L1 visas in line with the Trump administration’s goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour.

India has “very strongly” raised the issue of H1B and L1 visas with the United States, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Friday, asserting that the American economy would find it difficult to cope with the reality as it was immensely benefited by Indian IT professionals.

The U.S. has tightened the norms for issuing the most sought-after H1B and L1 visas in line with the Trump administration’s goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour.

New directive

In a directive, the Trump administration this week made it more difficult for the renewal of H1B and L1 visas, popular among Indian IT professionals, saying that the burden of proof lies on the applicant even when an extension is sought.

Under the current U.S. rules, Indian IT professionals working in the U.S. on H1B visas do not get back their contribution to social security, which runs into at least more than $1 billion per annum.

“We raised very strongly the issue of Indian professionals and H1B and L1 visa issues,” Mr. Prabhu said after the first U.S.-India bilateral Trade Policy Forum (TPF) under the Trump administration that was attended by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.


H1B visas and India

“We explained to them that we are not raising this issue because Indians will find it difficult to come, because the U.S. economy itself will find it difficult to cope with the reality because the U.S. has immensely benefited by IT professionals penetrating into the market by offering services that has improved their productivity,” Mr. Prabhu said.

Batting for Indian IT companies, he also strongly raised the issue of totalisation.

“I hope they will look into the issue,” Mr. Prabhu said, as he pointed to the issue of mismatch between U.S. visa and U.S. social security regimes, wherein Indian professionals making social security contributions do not receive their due benefits upon their return to India.

Trade deficit
The U.S. and India have agreed to address the issue of trade deficit by increasing and diversifying bilateral trade, the Minister said as he sought easing of procedures for export of mangoes and pomegranates to the U.S.
 
http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...lture-talks/article19980263.ece?homepage=true

“Our intent was not to dive into issues where there are differences, but look at areas of commonality,” says U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary McKinney

The U.S. and India avoided contentious issues — including tariffs, subsidies and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) — in farm sector-related talks held on Friday, and instead chose to discuss matters of common interest and potential areas of collaboration.

Incidentally, the recently held U.S-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting in Washington DC concluded without both the sides issuing a joint statement due to differences on several issues.

Concluding a week-long trade mission to India, which included meetings with the departments of agriculture and commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Ted McKinney told reporters, “Our intent was not to dive into issues where there are differences, but look at areas of commonality.”

He said issues such as IPR (including patenting of genetically modified crops in India), tariffs (reduction of ‘high’ tariffs on certain farm products in India) and subsidies (the alleged ‘huge’ farm subsidies of the US) did not figure in his talks with Indian officials. However, the official added, “just as we respect IPRs coming out of India, we would like that to be reciprocated when it comes to IPRs on US products.” On tariffs, he said “each side needs to ensure that free trade is being pursued as much as possible.”

On the joint statement not being issued after the TPF meeting, Mr. McKinney said, “there was an agreement on the agriculture portion. It was non-agriculture issues that prevented it (joint statement).”

This was Mr. McKinney’s first international trip as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. He led a delegation of nearly 50 business, trade association and state government leaders who held over 500 meetings with trade partners from India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, a US government statement said. “In my Ministry meetings, I was very impressed to learn of the many opportunities for enhanced partnership, which includes some urgency to find solutions through trade to help overcome food security challenges in this part of the world,” the statement quoted him as saying. “The U.S. recognizes the vast food and agricultural potential that India holds for not only itself, but for the world, and we look forward to continued success in our trading partnership to the benefit of both nations’ farmers and consumers,” he was quoted as saying.

The delegation aimed to develop collaborative partnerships, learn more about local market conditions, and jointly create business that will help to combat human and animal nutrient deficiencies in India, it said. The U.S. continues to partner with India in this endeavour through technical information exchanges and supplementing food and feed needs through trade, it added. In 2016, U.S. agricultural exports to India totalled $1.3 billion.
 
The Secretary of Energy, United States, Mr. Rick Perry meeting the Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh, on the sidelines of IEA Ministerial Meeting, in Paris on November 07, 2017.
s20171108117461.jpg
 
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world...n-hyderabad/story-b5cC1IFkS2Br8sjOQmeyQL.html

Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, will be visiting India to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Rahman’s music concert, AR Rahman ENCORE, is a part of this event.
world Updated: Nov 12, 2017 14:23 IST
Hindustan Times

Among his millions of admirers across the world, music maestro A R Rahman has got another admirer in Ivanka Trump. As per sources, the daughter of the US President Donald J. Trump will be present at AR Rahman ENCORE, the concert that begins on November 26 in Hyderabad. It will act as an official opening night of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit that will be held between November 28 and November 30 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre.“Yes, Ivanka Trump has been approached and she has shown interest. If things fall in place, then she is expected to attend the concert at Hyderbad,” says a source close to the event organiser.

“Now with this new development, the promoters of the show are taking every measure possible to ensure that the security for the event is not compromised, considering there are over 30,000 fans expected not just from Hyderabad but also from other cities,” says the source.

Rahman is performing in India after almost 5 years. The concert celebrates his 25-year-long journey in the music industry that began with Mani Ratnam’s Roja (1992). The four city tour that begins with Hyderabad, will progress to cities including Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. When we contacted Rahman’s team regarding Ivanka Trump attending his concert in Hyderabad, his publicist could not confirm the development. “No idea at all,” is what he said.

Insiders reveal that Ivanka Trump, who is intrigued by Indian culture and performing arts, also plans to explore India. She will be visiting Charminar, Laad Bazaar and Chowmahalla Palace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a dinner for Ivanka at Falaknuma Palace on November 28, while the Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will host a dinner for the GES delegates at Golconda Fort on November 29.
 
14hy%20golconda

Exotic venue: The Rani Mahal lawns of Golconda fort where a dinner reception for the delegates of Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 will be hosted on November 29.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...s-delegates/article20400772.ece?homepage=true

Hyderabad, November 13, 2017 23:34 IST
Updated: November 13, 2017 23:34 IST

Participants to get a taste of Indian food and heritage at three-day event
The delegates of Global Entrepreneurship Summit-2017, including US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, will get a taste of Indian food, hospitality and culture as the Telangana government is pulling out all the stops for a charm offensive.

“This is an opportunity to showcase our country’s heritage to the delegates. Two receptions will be organised — one at the Falkanuma Palace and the other at Golconda fort,” said Information Technology and Industries Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, speaking about the prestigious three-day event.

The State government has allocated ₹ 8 crore for the logistics and hospitality of participants. About 1500 delegates, including government officials, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, are expected to take part in one of the largest international networking events being hosted in the city.

Sources say GES-2017 is expected to have three receptions, one hosted by the Government of India, the second by Telangana government, and the other by the US government, which is co-hosting the event. While officials remain tight-lipped about other arrangements, the venue for the sit-down dinner inside the inner fortification of the 14th Century Golconda fort is expected to be the forecourt of Rani Mahal.

Archaeological Survey of India officials said they are unaware of the event on November 29 at Golconda. The ASI is the custodian of Golconda and prior permission has to be acquired for hosting any event at the heritage site. “I have not received any request or application for permission. They have to deposit the regular fee if they want to use the site,” said an ASI official of Hyderabad Circle..

Relevance of venue

The Rani Mahal area of Golconda is where Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has been unfurling the Tricolour on Independence Day since Telangana State was born in 2014.

With the backdrop of the Bala Hissar on one side and Moti Mahal on the other, the sprawling lawn of Rani Mahal presents a perfect setting for showcasing the Telangana heritage.

A well-known hotel chain which runs a five-star hotel has been sounded out for catering arrangements for the prestigious dinner gala.
 
http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...s-cii-study/article20460688.ece?homepage=true

THJVNTRUMPMODIASEAN

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting alongside the ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines on November 13, 2017. Mr. Trump was lavish in his praise for India in his speeches during his East Asia tour. | Photo Credit: Reuters


Meanwhile, House subcommittee to consider another bill that targets H-1B programme

The release of a new study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of Indian companies in America turned out to be an occasion to shore up political support for continuing economic engagement between the two countries in a political climate of protectionism, on Tuesday, at the Capitol.

The study “Indian Roots, American Soil,” found that 100 Indian companies have created 1,13,423 jobs in the U.S with an investment of $17.9 million, across all States. Several lawmakers who spoke at the event pledged their support for India-US partnership, acknowledging the contribution of Indian businesses to American economy.

Notable impact
New Jersey, Texas, California, New York and Georgia are home to the most number of workers in America directly employed by Indian companies. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and Wyoming have the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) from Indian companies, the study found.

The fifth edition of the study that appears every two years, has political significance this year given Donald Trump administration’s strong views on economic ties that displace American workers.

Indian Ambassador to the U.S Navtej Sarna noted that the report was being released a day after a meeting between Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Manila, Philippines. “The President and the Prime Minister have developed a strong personal relationship,” Mr. Sarna noted. “That Indian companies are spending significant amounts in America as part of their CSR initiatives is testimony to the fact they are deeply invested in this country and society.”

The companies in the study spent $147 million in CSR and $588 million in research and development facilities in America. On an average, each American state or territory received $187 million in investment by Indian companies. 85% of the companies plan to make more investments and 87% of the companies plan to hire more employees locally in the next five years.

Plaudits for India from Trump
Mr. Trump was lavish in his praise for India in his speeches during his East Asia tour. The President has mentioned trade issues with India in some speeches earlier, though he has not been as belligerent as he is with some other American partners on the issue. A White House official had accused several Indian tech companies, by name, of gaming the H-1B visa programme.

On Wednesday, a Congressional subcommittee is likely to vote on new legislation that proposes to raise wage requirements for guest workers and other restrictions. The debate on the issue could be occasion for another round of heated rhetoric on the H-1B visa programme, though the bill itself is unlikely to pass in the House of Representatives, if at all it reaches the voting stage.

It was against this background that around 20 members of Congress, came out strongly in support of Indian companies in America. Congressman David Brat, from Virginia said: “I am glad to see the principles of free market economics being celebrated today on Capitol Hill as we recognize the contributions Indian Industry have brought to the US economy and states.”

Arresting rise in healthcare price
Heads of several Indian companies also spoke at the event. Sofia Mumtaz, President, Lupin Pharmaceuticals said: “…we are contributing to the U.S. economy while helping arrest soaring healthcare costs through innovative and high quality pharmaceutical products.”

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-pm-ahead-of-ivanka-visit/article20460501.ece

Ahead of the India visit of US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that cooperation between the two countries helps people, particularly the talented and innovative entrepreneurs.

“We look forward to welcoming you @IvankaTrump. Closer economic cooperation between India and USA helps our people, particularly our talented and innovative entrepreneurs,” he tweeted.

Earlier, Ms. Ivanka had tweeted that she is excited to join “many of these remarkable entrepreneurs with Prime Minister @narendramodi in India for #GES2017 in just two weeks!”.

She will be attending the plenary session of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) to be held in Hyderabad from November 28 to 30.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held “very expansive” talks with Mr. Trump in Manila during which the two leaders carried out a “broad review” of the strategic landscape in Asia.
 
http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...us-says-cii/article20460852.ece?homepage=true

‘100 companies have invested $17.9 billion across all States’
The release of a new study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of Indian companies in America turned out to be an occasion to shore up political support for continuing economic engagement between the two countries in a political climate of protectionism, on Tuesday, at the Capitol.

The study “Indian Roots, American Soil,” found that 100 Indian companies have created 1,13,423 jobs in the U.S with an investment of $17.9 billion, across all States. Several lawmakers who spoke at the event pledged their support for the India-U.S. partnership, acknowledging the contribution of Indian businesses to the American economy.

New Jersey, Texas, California, New York and Georgia are home to the most number of workers in America directly employed by Indian companies. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and Wyoming have the highest foreign direct investment from Indian companies, the study found.

The fifth edition of the biennial study has political significance this year given the Donald Trump administration’s strong views on economic ties that displace American workers. Indian ambassador to the U.S., Navtej Sarna, noted that the report was being released a day after a meeting between Mr. Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Manila, Philippines. “The President and the Prime Minister have developed a strong personal relationship,” Mr. Sarna noted.“That Indian companies are spending significant amounts in America as part of their CSR initiatives is testimony to the fact they are deeply invested in this country and society,” he said.

Firms in the study spent $147 million in CSR and $588 million in R&D facilities in America. On average, each American state or territory received $187 million in investment by Indian firms. The study found 85% of the companies plan to make more investments and 87% of firms plan to hire more employees locally in the next five years.

Mr. Trump was lavish in his praise for India in his speeches during his East Asia tour. The President has mentioned trade issues with India in some speeches earlier, though he has not been as belligerent as he is with some other American partners on the issue. A White House official had accused several Indian tech companies, by name, of gaming the H-1B visa programme.

On Wednesday, a Congressional subcommittee is likely to vote on new legislation that proposes to raise wage requirements for guest workers and other restrictions. The debate on the issue could be occasion for another round of heated rhetoric on the H-1B visa programme, though the bill itself is unlikely to pass in the House of Representatives, if at all it reaches the voting stage.

It was against this background that around 20 members of Congress, came out strongly in support of Indian companies in America. Congressman David Brat, from Virginia said: “I am glad to see the principles of free market economics being celebrated today on Capitol Hill as we recognize the contributions Indian Industry have brought to the US economy and states.

Heads of several Indian companies also spoke at the event. Sofia Mumtaz, President, Lupin Pharmaceuticals said: “We are contributing to the U.S. economy while helping arrest soaring healthcare costs through innovative and high quality pharmaceutical products.”
 
Washington, December 13, 2017 20:28 IST
Updated: December 13, 2017 20:28 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...tiple-firms/article21600523.ece?homepage=true

Foreign workers in the U.S. on an H-1B work visa, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals, may work for more than one company, the country’s immigration agency has said.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

“In general, H-1B workers may work for more than one employer but must have approved I-129 for each,” the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency which receives and determines the successful applications for H1B visas, (USCIS) tweeted on Tuesday. “New employer must submit an I-129 petition before you may begin working,” it said.

Form I-129 is a form submitted for a non-immigrant worker to the USCIS used by employers or prospective employers to obtain (or amend the details of) a worker on a non-immigrant visa status.

While this is not a new rule, but very few people know about it.

The H1B visa has an annual numerical limit cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year as mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with a US master’s degree or higher are exempt from the cap.

Additionally, H1B workers who are petitioned for or employed at an institution of higher education or its affiliated or related nonprofit entities or a nonprofit research organisation or a government research organisation are not subject to this numerical cap.

Meanwhile, an American think-tank, the Cato Institute, in a report said that in 2015, a total of 56% of all supposed employment-based green cards went to the family members of workers.The other 44 per cent went to the workers themselves.If family members were exempted from the quota or there was a separate green card category for them, an additional 76,711 highly skilled immigrant workers could have earned a green card in 2015 without increasing the quota. Further, according to the institute, about 85% of those who received an employment-based green card were already legally living in the U.S.

“They were able to adjust their immigration status from another type of visa, like an H-1B or F visa, to an employment-based green card. Exempting some or all of the adjustments of status from the green card cap would almost double the number of highly skilled workers who could enter,” it said.

In a blog post, Immigration Attorney Tsion Chudnovsky said immigration lawyers are seeing a big change in how visas are being processed in 2017 and many expect denial rates to increase to 40 per cent in this year’s H1B cap. The USCIS has started challenging H1Bs which would have no problem being approved in the past, she said.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Total: 1, Members: 0, Guests: 1)


Back
Top Bottom