India today raised the issue of visa fee hike by the US, emphasising the Obama administration not take any step detrimental to the interest of Indian IT professionals. The issue, which has an impact on the Indian IT industry, came up for discussion between visiting US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in New Delhi.

Locke is leading a 24-member high level US business delegation, which is also scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bangalore.Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar said that the two countries are trying to work out a solution. Both the sides also discussed the issue of market access, reduction of trade barriers and technology transfer for solar power plants.

Modalities for transfer of technology in the areas of space and nuclear science were discussed with Washington today. The discussions come after United Sates lifted ban on high technology trade with India.

Talking to reporters after the meeting Anand Sharmasaid that the investment from the United States is increasing particularly in the infrastructure, manufacturing and agro business sector. Mr. Sharma expressed the hope that the bilateral trade will touch new heights as it has already reached the set target of 50 billion US dollars by 2010.