India and US hold 10th edition of Consular Dialogue

“The US delegation, led by Ms. Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, met with counterparts from the Indian delegation, led by Sh. Devesh Uttam, Joint Secretary, Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Department, Ministry of External Affairs. The dialogue reaffirmed the strength of our bilateral ties and highlighted the efforts made by both countries to strengthen people-to-people ties,” according to the External Affairs Minister.

Bilateral consular relations have been in focus over the past few years as pandemic-induced challenges to staff and routine operations have resulted in significantly longer waiting times for Indians to obtain certain types of US visas.

Given the substantial impact on people-to-people ties, the US Embassy in New Delhi has responded to visa wait times with alacrity.

“Between January and March 2023, dozens of temporary consular officers from Washington and other embassies will come to India to increase processing capacity. The State Department is also increasing the number of consular officers permanently assigned to embassies and consulates,” said the US Embassy in New Delhi.

“Cooperation including cooperation to protect vulnerable women and children, inter-country adoption, provision of consular services for expatriate nationals, extradition, and travel facilitation in support of our extensive cultural, economic and educational ties” Focused Dialogue”, said the Ministry of External Affairs about the recent bilateral consular talks.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of talks in India in 2024.