India asks US to ease export control regime

India has asked the US to ease its export control regime for hi-tech equipment and weapons sales before the visit of President Barack Obama in November.

The issue was raised by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in his meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke here yesterday.

"The minister highlighted the concerns on the US export control regime as applicable to India and sought their early removal prior to the forthcoming visit of President Obama to India," a statement by the commerce ministry said in New Delhi.

The US controls exports of sensitive equipment, software and technology. Through the control system, the US can limit access to its most sensitive technologies and weapons.

Sharma also raised the issue of visas for Indian professionals and skilled workers. He also sought negotiations for a totalisation agreement with the US. Due to the absence of such an agreement, Indian companies in the US are making double payments of social security, without getting any benefits.