Responding to questions during a function in New Delhi last night, Najib said there will be no visa fee increase for Malaysians who wish to visit India.

“What India has done is to introduce a new category of visas which will last for a year.

“The existing six-month visa fee for Malaysians is retained. There is no truth that the visa fee has been increased,” he was quoted as saying by the daily.

Najib was at a reception for Malaysian and Indian businessmen in the Indian capital last night.

Currently, Indian visitors to Malaysia are allowed to stay for up to 15 days without a visa.

It was reported yesterday that tour companies had voiced out against the new tourist visa fees for Malaysians wanting to visit India being increased by 153%.

Previously, Malaysian visitors to India had to pay RM180 for a six-month visa. However, the new fees listed on the Indian High Commission website had no option for a six-month visa, with a one-year tourist visa costing RM456.

India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia TS Tirumurti also confirmed late yesterday that the present visa rate for six months will be maintained.