Letters: May reason prevail

With reference to Archis Mohan's report, "May shows visa might" (November 8), the British Prime Minister's first visit to India is important from the perspective of not only bilateral relations but also because Brexit will be at the back of her mind when she discusses trade and other matters with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

That she has decided not to visit IT companies in Bengaluru — unlike her predecessors — does not send the right signals. Britain has tightened visa rules to safeguard jobs for citizens of that country, making it difficult for Indian IT professionals to work there.

May has been saying that India and the UK are an unbeatable combination and she is all for free trade. However, her government has announced changes in visa rules on the eve of her visit. This smacks of double standards. Not only IT professionals but students will also be at a disadvantage due to the changed visa norms. 

May seems more keen to safeguard her citizens’ interests and generate employment for them than to boost bilateral trade. But one should not be at the cost of the other. Since her government has pledged to reduce migrants to the UK, I do not think she will have a change of heart now. It is up to India to see safeguard its interests — the country’s IT sector alone earn as much as $20 billion in revenue from the UK and a large number of students go there for studies and so do other professionals. 

Bilateral relations are a win-win for both the countries. If the May government does not welcome Indian students and professionals with open hearts to its country, there is no meaning in her making such trips to India. 

Although she has promised easy business visas and assured India she would take a second look at student visas, let’s see how it pans out in reality.

Bal Govind, Noida

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