Rising concerns over increasing number of rejections of the H1B visa applications of professionals, especially in the IT sector, India urged US to rethink on its new policy affecting Indian professionals. H1B visa is a gateway for professionals to enter in US.

Bringing the matter in the notice of authorities during his visit, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma expressed concerns over declining uptake of H1B visas this year. He was addressing at the CEOs forum.

Mr. Sharrma said, "Uptake of H1B visas this year has been less than half of annual prescribed limit and the rejection rates have gone up." He backed immediate signing of the India-US Totalisation Agreement highlighting the needs of un-restricted movement of professionals across nations. The deal would exempt an expatriate to contribute to social security schemes of the host country.

He also met US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and held constructive discussion with him on bilateral trade and investment relationships. He assured every possible support to investors looking for investment in India. Both leaders also discussed the US-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) for addressing various issues related to trade and investment.