India and the United States convened their 11th bilateral Consular Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on enhancing cooperation across a spectrum of issues ranging from extradition to the mobility of students and professionals.
Led by KJ Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (CPV) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian delegation hosted Ambassador Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State. The dialogue aimed to reinforce the strong people-to-people ties and cooperation shared between the two countries across consular matters of mutual interest.
During the dialogue, both sides discussed avenues for enhancing cooperation on extradition, facilitating the mobility of students and professionals, ensuring safe and legal migration, protecting vulnerable women and children, and facilitating smooth travel for their respective nationals. They also welcomed the launch of a pilot program in the US aimed at expediting the adjudication of certain categories of visa renewals, seen as proactive steps towards strengthening robust connections between the people of both nations.
Expressing enthusiasm about her visit to India, Rena Bitter highlighted the significant increase in travel between India and the US, emphasizing the strong family ties that bind the two nations. She noted that more Indians can now travel to the United States than ever before, with the US Consular Team in India processing a record 1.4 million US visas in 2023. Additionally, visitor visa appointment wait times have been reduced by 75 percent, showcasing process improvements and investments in staffing.
In 2023, the US consular team in India issued over 140,000 student visas, setting a record for the third consecutive year and surpassing any other country in the world. This reflects the growing educational ties between India and the US and underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship.
The dialogue concluded with the agreement to hold the next Consular Dialogue in the US in 2025, further solidifying the commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation and address consular issues of mutual interest.
