Our Company has made it mandatory for Ex Pats to fill out the forms and receive a PAN Card....PAN being Permanent Account Number. Near as I can figure, it is the Indian Version of a Social Security Number. The number can be used for buying property, such as Autos, Motorcycles, and and securing local Credit from Banks. On the application form, it has spaces where you fill in your employer information. I have been told, that issuance by India's Income Tax Department, and subsequent possession of the card, is assurance that your taxes are being paid. However, as all of us know who are in India, know nothing is for sure here. More information about this card can be found at
www.tin-nsdl.com.
As for US Tax relief during your first year of employment, the Jury is still out on that matter. You can talk with 6 different Tax Advisors in the US, and you will get 6 different answers.
I think only the IRS knows for sure.