SHARMA-VISA 2LST

He said that chairmen and CEOs of who's who of the US
industry have expressed need for greater understanding and
creating sensitivity about the contributions made by Indian
companies and also the fact that India was not a net exporter
of services.
"We are net importer of services too. So, the
impression that the jobs are lost was not correct. I do expect
that the business leaders in the US would make special effort
to inform and sensitise those Congressmen and women who may
not have been adequately informed or may have certain
misgivings, which I share," Sharma said.
The Minister, at the same time, did concede the delay
in issuing of Indian business visas to US business has been
discussed in the past.
"It was not only vis-a-vis US, but other countries as
well. We had a comprehensive visa review and at no stage our
policy was intended to restrict business visas or create
difficulties for those who generally come and work," Sharma
said dismissing concerns being expressed by the US business on
delay in issue of Indian business visa to US professionals.
He said that all Indian missions have a complete
clarity on the visa policy. In fact, an advisory has been sent
to all Indian missions through foreign ministry last week
Indian Ambassador to US, Meera Shankar said by and
large business visas have been issued fairly promptly.
"I think there have been some questions about the new
rules that have come out of India for revisiting India in two
months primarily on security grounds. Those apply to tourist
visas. They do not apply to business visas," she said. PTI