Emphasizing the importance of the US-India bilateral relationship, the Department of State aims to streamline the visa application process and strengthen educational exchanges between the two nations.
In a significant development, the United States Department of State has intensified its efforts to process a remarkable number of visa applications in India, with one out of every five US student visas being issued in the country in 2022. Recognizing the importance of the US-India bilateral relationship, US Department of State official spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the prioritization of visa processing during a press briefing on Thursday.
Miller acknowledged the existing challenges in the visa application process, particularly in Mumbai, where the average wait time for a visitor visa appointment spans 752 calendar days, while for a student visa, it stands at 444 days. In response to inquiries about visa issues during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming visit to the US, Miller reassured that consular teams are making a concerted effort to process visa applications, especially in visa categories crucial to the bilateral relationship, reaffirming it as a top priority for the US government.
Highlighting the significance of the US-India partnership, Miller stressed that the alliance between the two nations is one of the "most consequential relationships," characterized by close collaboration on key priorities. While he refrained from divulging specific announcements related to the upcoming visit, Miller assured that the US government is actively working to enhance the visa process and further strengthen ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. During the visit, PM Modi will be hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at a state dinner held at the White House. Additionally, he will address top US company CEOs at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center in Washington and deliver a speech to the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time.
The recent progress in visa facilitation further underlines the growing importance of educational exchanges between India and the United States. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti recently highlighted the strength of the US-India relationship, pointing out that in 2022, one out of every five US student visas was issued in India, surpassing all other countries. The US Mission in India also held its 7th Annual Student Visa Day nationwide, offering consular officers an opportunity to interview Indian student visa applicants.
Ambassador Garcetti expressed his admiration for the US-India relationship, emphasizing that Indians continue to excel in the United States, not only pursuing education but also contributing to various fields of expertise. He expressed confidence that the trend of Indian students choosing the United States for higher education will persist, solidifying the two countries' longstanding educational partnership.