Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged the US government to adopt a rational approach regarding its move to restrict Indian software professionals from working in that country.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged the US government to adopt a rational approach regarding its move to restrict Indian software professionals from working in that country.
In his keynote address to a two-day national conclave of the IACC (Indo American Chamber of Commerce) here, he said, “You are restricting IT professionals (from working in the US). You should adopt a rational approach on this matter. India has opened its doors to US technology companies to come and invest here. By coming together, India and the US can play a dominant role in technology sector in the world.”
In January this year, the US government increased the fee in certain categories of H1-B and L-1 visas availed of mainly by employees of Indian IT companies going for on-shore work in the US.
On outsourcing jobs, Mr Singh requested US companies to also look at manufacturing and extending services from India. India is the “most attractive investment destination in the entire world”, he said.
Exuding confidence of Indo-US bilateral trade touching $500 billion in the near future, he emphasised on strengthening commercial and strategic ties. Cooperation on inland and border security would be key items on Mr Singh’s agenda for his US tour next month.
The security clearance by the home ministry that was valid for three years has been increased to 10 years. Talks are on to make security clearance valid for lifetime. The proactive stand and holistic approach of our government is paying dividends. Even there is a healthy competition in states on this front,” he stressed. The minister said that in 2015-16 India was able to attract $15 billion FDI, higher than that in China.
The cooperation on inland and border security would be the key agenda during his US tour next month to attend a meeting on homeland security, counter-terrorism and modernisation of police forces.
Besides trade, the Indo-US partnership should explore what it can do for rural development, agriculture and irrigation sectors, Digital and Skill India, smart cities missions, real estate and IT sectors, renewable energy and climate change, Mr Singh said.
