US says Gujarat key state for investment, skirts visa issue

Observing that Gujarat remains an important state for its investment, the United States Friday said it would continue to engage with the state across a broad range of issues including trade, investment, university linkages and people-to-people exchanges.

However, it refrained from making any comment on the just-concluded Assembly elections in the state, terming it as domestic Indian politics, and also on the issue of visa to Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying there has been no change on its policy in this regard.

"Gujarat remains an important state for American investment, and has shown itself to be a very welcoming environment where American businesses flourish," a State Department spokesperson said.

"We continue to promote and encourage investment there, and we continue to engage with Gujarat across a broad range of issues: trade, investment, energy, university linkages, and people-to-people exchanges," the spokesperson said.

Describing it as a matter of "domestic Indian politics" the spokesperson refused to entertain any question on the just concluded Assembly elections in Gujarat.

Next month, a large American delegation led by US India Business Council (USIBC) is travelling to Ahmedabad to attend the "Vibrant Gujarat" summit. The delegation is likely to meet Modi.

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