MEA Responds to New US Visa Rules, Reaffirms Fair India-US Visa Policy

In a carefully measured response to the newly updated US visa guidelines, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has reiterated its stance that India-US visa policy decisions must prioritise merit, fairness, and transparency. The statement follows the US Embassy’s issuance of revised instructions for visa applicants to submit details of their social media identifiers — a move that has sparked fresh discussions on privacy and diplomatic reciprocity.

Speaking during the MEA’s weekly briefing, spokesperson Jaiswal addressed the issue head-on, acknowledging that immigration and visa procedures are sovereign matters for any nation, including the United States. However, he was clear in asserting India’s expectations.

“We have seen the guidelines issued by the US Embassy, providing details of social media identifiers in visa applications,” Jaiswal stated. “But we believe that all visa applications of Indian nationals should be treated based on merit.”

This response comes at a time when India-US visa policy remains a central pillar of bilateral engagement, especially considering the growing volume of Indian students, professionals, and tourists traveling to the United States each year.

MEA: Continued Engagement on Mobility and Consular Matters

Jaiswal underscored that India is in regular touch with the US on all matters related to mobility and consular services. “We remain engaged with the US side on all mobility issues and consular issues to ensure that the legitimate interests of Indian nationals are safeguarded,” he affirmed.

The comments reflect India’s broader approach to foreign relations — proactive, principled, and protective of its diaspora. The MEA’s continued focus on equitable treatment in the evolving India-US visa policy landscape signals a push for consistency, even as digital scrutiny becomes part of global immigration norms.

Travel Advisory Level for India Unchanged

On a related note, Jaiswal also addressed concerns surrounding the US travel advisory, which was recently updated on June 16. Dispelling any speculation about tightened restrictions, he clarified, “We have been informed by the US authorities that there has been no change in India’s advisory level, which remains at level two, the same as before.”

He added that travel advisories worldwide are revised based on a spectrum of variables — political climate, health conditions, and safety indicators among them — and that India monitors such developments closely.

MEA: A Strong and Strategic India-US Relationship

Although Jaiswal declined to comment on the recent visit of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to the White House, he was unequivocal in highlighting the depth of the India-US partnership.

“Our partnership with the United States is wide-ranging, grounded in shared democratic values and growing strategic convergence,” he said.

Labelling it as “the most consequential partnership of the 21st century,” Jaiswal outlined the dynamic cooperation that defines India-US relations, from trade and defence to critical technologies and clean energy innovation.

“A comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States continues to receive high-level attention and is manifested in sustained dialogue and cooperation across sectors,” he emphasized.

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