‘We Expect Applications To Be Considered On Merit’: India Govt Urges US To Ensure Timely Visa Processing

Amid the rising concern over delays and unpredictability in the processing of student visas by the United States, India on Thursday hoped that the applications of Indian students would be considered impartially and without prejudice, even as the US visa regime has undergone recent changes, as reported by PTI.

Speaking to the media, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal accepted that the US has the right to issue visas as a sovereign nation. Nonetheless, he was quick to point out that India expects its students' applications to be processed on the basis of merit and in a timely fashion, particularly as thousands are poised to enroll in academic courses for the next semester.

“We have seen some new guidance from the US on student visa matters. While we understand that visa issuance is a sovereign function, we do hope that Indian students are assessed fairly, so that they are able to begin their courses without disruptions,” Jaiswal said.

According to the PTI reports, the comments come in the wake of growing anxiety among students globally—including those from India—after reports emerged suggesting that the Trump administration was pausing new student visa interviews and planning stricter scrutiny, including expanded checks of applicants’ social media presence.

With more than 330,000 Indian students studying in American schools in 2023-24, India has repeatedly emphasized the need for predictable and hassle-free visa processing for its citizens. "The safety and well-being of Indian students abroad are a priority, which remains high on the agenda of the Government of India," Jaiswal said.

At the same time, in Washington DC, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is visiting there on an official tour to further bilateral ties. He called upon US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler as part of talks for the India-US COMPACT initiative, which is designed to expand cooperation in military, commerce, and emerging technologies.

During the visit, Misri also had discussions regarding the TRUST initiative, specifically on critical minerals and leading technology partnerships.

These included defence collaboration, energy, and strategic partnerships such as the Quad, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the I2U2 framework comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the US.

During his meeting with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, both parties reaffirmed that talent, trade, and technology will be at the heart of the India-US partnership in the future. "All major areas of mutual interest were discussed in the talks," Jaiswal further added.

The updates arrive at the right time for potential students and stakeholders within the education industry, who are monitoring closely how the changing visa policies will affect international mobility, particularly for Indian students.

(Inputs from PTI)

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