On June 15, the official spokesperson of the United States Department of State, Matthew Miller, said in a press briefing that the consular teams of the US have been making a “huge push” to process as many visa applications as possible in India. He stated processing of visa applications of Indias is a “top priority” of the US government and recognised that “there is more that can be done”.
When asked about what India can expect from the US in terms of diplomacy, immigration, and visa issues during the upcoming PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, Matthew Miller responded, “With respect to visas, our consular teams have been making a huge push to process as many visa applications as possible in India, including in those visa categories that are key to the bilateral relationship. This is a top priority for our government”.
He further stated, “We know that there is more work that we can do, and we are working hard to do it. With respect to the broader question again, I don’t want to get ahead of the White House about what kind of announcements we might have related to the trip”.
Miller’s comments came shortly after Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India, stated last week that consular personnel in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi are on track to handle the greatest volume of Indian student visa applications ever this year.
While speaking at the US Embassy in India, Garcetti highlighted the strength of India and the United States relationship, adding that more Indian students throng the United States than students from any other country.
The US Mission in India held its 7th Annual Student Visa Day countrywide, with consular officers interviewing Indian Student Visa applications. Garcetti said, “One out of every 5 US students visa was issued here in India in 2022. One out of five in the world, which is more than the proportion of the Indian population in the world. So, Indians have not only pursued an education in the United States but for decades have shown their excellence in the United States, and we are on track to process the highest number of visa applications in our history”.
The US envoy stated, “It was so inspiring to see the work of this mission and to feel the strength of the United States and India relationship. More Indians come to the United States as students than students from any other country. Last year, India became number 1, and I don’t see that changing ahead in the future. I see that relationship at the very top of how we articulate our values of welcoming not just Americans to higher education but to opening that door to people worldwide”.
Miller stated,“I will say generally, our partnership with India is one of our most consequential relationships. We look closely with India on — we work closely with India on our most vital priorities. They play a crucial role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that is connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient”.
PM Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to come on a state visit to the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The US Congress also invited him to address a joint House of Representatives and Senate meeting on June 22.
In a letter sent by the US House Speaker Kevin Mc Carthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican leader Mitch Mc Connell, and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies read- “During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India’s future and speak about the global challenges our both countries face”.
In the US, PM Modi will also address the chairman and CEOs of top US companies at John F Kennedy Centre in Washington. Meanwhile, the White House said the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep, close partnership between US and India.
Even PM Modi will lead the yoga session at the United Nations Secretariat in New York, US. PM Modi will lead the yoga session on June 21 to mark the 9th International Day of Yoga.
