Received information from India regarding a collaboration in the realm of social security agreements; further efforts are needed, as stated by USTR Katherine Tai.
On January 13, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the receipt of recent information from India regarding the proposed social security agreement. Tai highlighted the substantial work ahead on this matter.
During the Trade Policy Forum meeting, the social security totalisation agreement emerged as a crucial request from the Indian side. This agreement holds the potential to boost services trade between the countries and provide support to Indian IT professionals working temporarily in the United States.
India has duly provided the required data on its social security schemes, as requested by the U.S., to commence negotiations on the agreement.
Certainly, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Tai informed reporters that the Indian government is in communication with the U.S. social security administration. The relevant information was received on the eve of the TPF (Trade Policy Forum).
"We have the information, and the ball is back in our court, but it's just landed in our court. So there is a lot more work to do" to advance discussions on India's proposal, stated USTR Tai.
During the 14th TPF meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Tai, alongside Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, co-chaired discussions. The focal point was an agreement where expatriates in either country wouldn't need to contribute to the host country's social security scheme.
This agreement stands to benefit numerous Indians, especially those in the IT sector working in the U.S., contributing to social security without reaping its benefits.
Addressing concerns raised by the U.S. regarding India's import management system for specific IT hardware, Tai mentioned urging India to engage in consultations with them and other stakeholders on such matters.
Goyal elucidated India's objectives in the TPF meet, including national security concerns. Tai emphasized the need for New Delhi to conduct consultations to avoid disruptions in the regulatory environment.
The joint statement after the TPF meeting outlined commitments to future initiatives, particularly in critical minerals and trade in high-tech products. The USTR emphasized exploring these areas with fact-finding and establishing a common vocabulary.
Regarding agri-related issues, the USTR expressed American interest in greater market access for products like almonds and blueberries, while India raised concerns about grapes, mangoes, and pomegranates in the U.S. market.
Addressing India's concerns over visa processing delays for businesses, Tai assured that the USTR office facilitates conversations with relevant parts of the U.S. administration to address these issues. Goyal highlighted challenges faced by Indian business visitors in the TPF, requesting the U.S. to expedite processing.
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