When asked about what India can expect from the US with regard to diplomacy, immigration and visa issues during PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US, Matthew Miller said, “On visas, our consular teams are handling a number of visa issues. Making a huge effort to process applications as much as possible in India, including those for visa categories that are important to bilateral relations, this is a top priority for our government.
“We know there’s more work to be done on the visa issue, and we’re working hard to get it done. I don’t want to get ahead of the White House on what kind of announcements we might make,” he said. Can.” In the same press briefing, Matthew Miller described the US partnership with India as “one of the most productive relationships” and that the two nations work together on the most important priorities.
Describing India as an important partner, top US lawmakers have requested President Joe Biden’s administration to resolve the issue of visa waiting time in the country on a priority basis. Congressman Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Michael Waltz, co-chairman of the House India Caucus, asked top State Department officials during two separate Congressional hearings on the ‘consular affairs budget’ to discuss visa requirements in India. Why do people have to wait for 600 days?
Menendez said, “America and the people of India have a strong relationship. India is now part of the ‘Quad’ (quadrilateral security dialogue group). We are continuously involving it in our geo-strategic interests. A large number of people in New Jersey Indian Americans and their families reside in the U.S. I appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry towards reducing the waiting time of B1-B2 applicants in India.” “However, despite this, for the past one year, the average waiting time for first-time B1-B2 applicants in India is 450 to 600 days,” he said during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. There is more waiting time. Why is it taking 600 days?”
MP Waltz said during a House Foreign Relations Committee hearing, “I co-chair the US India Caucus. I think this is one of our most consequential economic diplomatic security relationships in the 21st century. However, I Indian Americans and our Indian allies are receiving frequent complaints about wait times, despite the fact that we have the second or third highest number of ‘consular’ officers posted in India.” “According to the data available with me, the average waiting time in Mumbai, India is 587 days,” he said. Waltz said that the delay in getting visas would also affect business ties.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rina Bitter told lawmakers in two separate Congressional hearings that the State Department is doing its best to deal with it and has taken several steps to resolve it. He said that the visa waiting time has been reduced by almost two-thirds.
PM Narendra Modi is going to America for a state visit from 21-24 June. PM Narendra Modi will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a state dinner at the White House.
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