UK's move for 3K-pound visa bond 'retrograde measure': Sharma

Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma today said the British move for 3,000 pound visa bond from visitors of certain countries including India, would be a "retrograde measure", a "negative step" which should not be taken.

However, he said India's High Commissioner in UK and the foreign office have not received any confirmation of any such step having being put in place or a proposal cleared by the British cabinet.

"As far as we are concerned, we have made it abundantly clear that after the successful visit of (British Prime Minister) David Cameron and the clear assurances that have been given, growing partnership that exists between India and the UK, this would be a retrograde measure and negative step and should not be taken," Sharma told reporters here.

Britain plans to introduce a controversial scheme of demanding a whopping 3,000 pounds visa bond from visitors from certain countries, including India, has divided UK's coalition government.

Sharma said this issue was on the agenda when he had met his UK counterpart Vince Cable in London.

"I was assured both by Cable as well as Oliver Letwin that no such proposal has come before the Cabinet for consideration and the government of UK will not take any measures considering the strategic and important partnership (with India)...when it comes  to movement of professionals, tourists," he said.

He said that for the moment, "I will go by the affirmations which were made and assurances that have been given at the highest level of British government, unless and until anything to the contrary is confirmed or approved".