Visa row: US keen not to hurt ties with India before Obama visit

WASHINGTON: Amid growing resentment among Indian IT firms over US move to hike H-1B and L-1 visa fees, the Obama administration has initiated talks with leaders at the Capitol Hill and business community on the issue.

With President Barack Obama set to visit India in November, the US is keen that the issue does not impact on the fast growing economic ties with India.

The hike in the visa fees to fund new measures would result in Indian IT companies having to shell out up to $250 million annually on visa costs.

But there is no unanimity within the administration on the issue, officials privy to the discussion said.

"This is an issue that we have had conversations with leaders on the Hill about. We have also had conversations across the government and we are listening to the concerns that business leaders have indicated and will be continuing our dialogue on this issue," state department spokesman P J Crowley said.

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