News Brief
India To Push For Fast-Track Visas For Skilled Workers In Upcoming Trade Policy Forum Talks With US
Flags of the United States and India (Manpreet Romana/AFP via Getty Images)
India is aiming to secure fast-track visas for skilled workers during the upcoming India-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF).
Further, easier market access for its mangoes and grapes in the US will also be on India's agenda during the meeting.
Furthermore, the topic of India's newly implemented system of authorisation for the import of personal computers, laptops, and other IT hardware products will be discussed at TPF.
The Trade Policy Forum (TPF), to be held on 13-14 January in New Delhi, will focus on a range of trade-related matters between the two nations, Economic Times reported.
The forum will be co-chaired by Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, and the US Trade Representative Ambassador, Katherine Tai.
Despite India's assurance to the US that there will be no expansion of the import management system beyond the specified IT hardware products, officials have hinted that this topic might be brought up for bilateral discussions at the forum.
The US has expressed concerns that this measure could discourage its firms from doing business in India and negatively impact its exports.
"The matter was discussed during the G20 trade and investment ministers meeting, and we have addressed their queries at the WTO, but all issues can be further discussed at the TPF," an official was quoted as saying by ET.
Earlier this month, India communicated to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that its decision to restrict the import of personal computers, laptops, and other IT hardware is based on concerns about national security.
The country emphasised to the international body that this administrative action aims to safeguard national security interests.
In October, India launched a fresh approval system for the import of electronic items such as personal computers and laptops, aiming for a tighter supervision over their shipments. This decision came after the Indian government faced opposition when it initially proposed a licensing scheme for these products.
The US is India's largest trading partner, with exports worth $44.47 billion and imports from Washington valued at $24.87 billion between April and October of FY24. Apart from the authorization system, the two sides are also expected to discuss the progress of resolving seven WTO cases and strengthening intellectual property rights.
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