RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.506
TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.07.2017
AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH USA
506. SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of agreements signed between India and United States of America(USA) during recent visit of Prime Minister in June, 2017;
(b) whether H-1B Visa issue was discussed with US President;
(c) if so, the details and outcome thereof; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) No formal agreements were signed during PM’s recent visit to the US. A Joint Statement was issued summarizing the key outcomes and understandings reached during the visit in the areas of counter-terrorism, defence and security, trade & economy, energy,
entrepreneurship and people-to-people contacts.
(b) to (d) Government of India remains closely engaged with the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Administration on issues relating to mobility of Indian skilled professionals, including through the H-1B visa programme. The Joint Statement issued following PM’s talk
with President Trump states that President Trump "applaud(ed) the entrepreneurship and innovation of Indians and Indian-Americans that have directly benefited both nations…”. The Statement also notes that "Recognizing that we are in an increasingly digital
world, the leaders agreed to intensify the mutually beneficial partnership to fully harness their innovation capabilities to solve global development changes.”
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