80 % hike in US visas for Indians

There has been 80 per cent increase in visas for Indians travelling to the United States, according to Consul General in Mumbai Michael S Owen. A total of 2.26 lakh visas were issued last year, up from 1.25 lakh in 2006. "The government-to-government contacts are important but people-to-people contacts by non-stage actors are more important for the relationship," Owen said while delivering the Lincon Memorial Lecture organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.