Problems faced by IT industry raised several times with US: Govt

Indian IT industry has raised concerns over the proposed changes in the US visa regime.

The problems being faced by the IT industry have been raised with the United States from time to time at various levels, Commerce and Industry Minister, Nirmala Sitaram said.

India has also taken up the matter on the US visa fee hike in the dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organisation, the minister also said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The US contributes nearly 62 per cent of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for Indian IT services exporters contributing approximately 28 per cent.

The US has not made any 'comprehensive changes' in its work visa programmes, including H-1B visas, so far despite India taking up the issue with the American government from time to time, the minister also said.

The minister also said India has made continuous efforts to raise concerns pertaining to IT and ITeS industries in different bilateral meetings including in the Trade Policy Forum.

Indian IT industry has raised concerns over the proposed changes in the US visa regime. Any changes may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the USD 110 billion Indian outsourcing industry.

Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3 per cent to the country's GDP, is one of the largest private sector employers at 3.7 million people.

OneIndia News