India-US CEO Forum to meet on January 26

NEW DELHI: Top industry leaders including Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry and Honeywell chief Dave Cote are likely to discuss several critical issues including visa impediments for professionals during the India-US CEO Forum meet expected on January 26.

Mistry and Cote are the co-chairs of the forum. US President Barack Obama, who will be the chief guest at the Republic Day function, will be accompanied by a strong American business delegation including David Cote, chairman and CEO of Honeywell International.

"Issues such as totalisation agreement and problems related to issuance of visa may figure in the meeting," sources said.

India have been raising concerns over high visa fees and discrimination in social security benefits to Indian professionals working in America.

India also wants early conclusion of the totalisation agreement with the US. Under this pact, an expatriate in either country need not contribute to social security schemes of the host country.

The CEO Forum discusses various business-related matters such as immediate policy issues to encourage greater trade and investment. It also provides an avenue for both the sides to identify ways to enhance public-private collaboration.

The Forum acts as a platform for business leaders to highlight their needs, interests and desired policy reforms for government consideration and action.