New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday responded to the newly issued guidelines by the US Embassy requiring visa applicants to disclose their social media identifiers. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that visa and immigration are sovereign matters but maintained that Indian nationals’ applications must be evaluated fairly and based on merit.
“Visa and immigration matters pertain to sovereign functions of any country. But, we have seen the guidelines issued by the US Embassy, providing details of social media identifiers in visa applications,” Jaiswal said during the MEA’s weekly briefing. “We believe that all visa applications of Indian nationals should be treated based on merit,” he added.
Jaiswal assured that India continues to remain engaged with the United States 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 stated.
Commenting on the US travel advisory for India, which was recently updated, Jaiswal clarified that the advisory level remains unchanged. “We have noted that the United States has also updated its travel advisory for India on June 16. We have been informed by the US authorities that there has been no change in India’s advisory level, which remains at Level 2—the same as before. The US travel advisory level for India has been at Level 2 for several years now,” he said.
On being asked about Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s visit to the White House, Jaiswal remarked, “India has noted the visit. I have no further comment to make.”
However, Jaiswal highlighted the strength and trajectory of the India-US bilateral relationship, stating that it continues to be built on shared democratic principles and strategic convergence. “Our partnership with the United States is wide-ranging, grounded in shared democratic values and growing strategic convergence,” he said.
He further noted that the India-US relationship remains one of the most consequential partnerships of the 21st century. “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: trade, critical technology, energy, defence, and several other fields,” Jaiswal added.
Earlier this week, General Asim Munir visited the White House and met with President Donald Trump, a meeting that drew attention in diplomatic and strategic circles. (ANI)
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