The U.S. government’s stand on issuing visa to the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, has not changed, an official of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi said on Saturday.
Interacting with journalists to highlight the U.S. Consulate’s five years of visa operations here, Julia Stanley, Minister Counsellor for Consular Affairs, said Mr. Modi did not apply for a fresh visa. “The law and position have not changed. When he applies for a visa, we will carefully examine [his application] and help him.”
Washington imposed a travel ban on the Gujarat Chief Minister after anti-Muslim riots in 2002.
As for the U.S. Consulate in the city, Ms. Stanley said the business climate was good with the growing number of people seeking more visas. “Also, there are U.S. students studying at universities here, and we would like to draw more of them here. Both countries should promote it.”
Asked whether the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh could result in the setting up of another consulate in the region, she said the matter would be considered in future.
