India, US discuss visa, GSP restoration, critical minerals at TPF meet

New Delhi: India and the US on Friday discussed a range of issues pertaining to visa, critical minerals, restoration of export benefits under GSP, and ways to promote trade in pharma and marine goods.

The issues came up for discussions during the 14th Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting here.

It was co-chaired by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal here.

According to a joint statement, the two ministers noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers, students, investors, and business visitors between the countries contributes immensely to enhancing the bilateral economic and technological partnership.

"Minister Goyal highlighted challenges being faced by business visitors from India due to visa processing time periods and requested the US to augment processing," it said.

The two ministers also agreed that their gover nments will pursue enhanced engagement, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes in several areas, with a view to deepen the trade relationship for the benefit of working people.

"They identified certain areas, including critical minerals, customs and trade facilitation, supply chains, and trade in high tech products, in which the US and India will develop an ambitious and forward looking roadmap for enhanced cooperation in order to achieve economically meaningful outcomes," the statement said.

The ministers committed to pursue these efforts with a view to establish the foundation to launch future joint initiatives. (PTI)