U.S. Chamber, Other Groups Blame India for Loss of Jobs, Lower Exports

By PTI

Washington D.C., June 07, 2013 – Sixteen major U.S. business groups have sought President Barack Obama’s personal intervention against alleged “discriminatory” and “unacceptable” Indian policies against U.S. businesses.

“Over the last year, the courts and policymakers in India have engaged in a persistent pattern of discrimination designed to benefit India’s business community at the expense of American jobs…Administrative and court rulings have repeatedly ignored internationally recognized rights – imposing arbitrary marketing restrictions on medical devices and denying, breaking, or revoking patents for nearly a dozen lifesaving medications,” said the letter to Obama, which was sent to him yesterday.

Alleging that the Indian Government is discriminating against a wide range of U.S. exports, jeopardizing domestic jobs, and putting at risk a growing bilateral trading relationship with US that amounted to $60 billion last year, the letter said it is time that New Delhi end discrimination against U.S. exporters and took steps to ensure it is not repeated in the future.

“These actions are unacceptable for a responsible middle-income country and rising global power,” it said, ahead of the 4th India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Delhi on June 24.

“To achieve this result, we urge the U.S. Government to immediately initiate bilateral engagement at the highest levels and to coordinate closely with the European Union and other like-minded economies,” the letter said.

Signatories to the letter included the US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, CropLife America, Telecommunication Industry Association, United States Council for International Business, Emergency Committee for American Trade, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and American Foundry Association.

“Reversing discrimination and restoring trust would be a win-win enabling domestic exporters to further invest in India’s future and helping India grow its economy and create opportunities for its people,” the letter said.

A National Association of Manufacturers official also urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to raise their concerns when he visits India later this month.