The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asserted that visa applications submitted by Indian nationals to the United States must be adjudicated solely on the basis of merit, following the introduction of new US Embassy guidelines that require applicants to share their social media identifiers.
In a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the updated regulations, stating, “Visa and immigration matters pertain to sovereign functions of any country. But we believe that all visa applications of Indian nationals should be treated based on merit.”
The MEA underscored that India remains actively engaged with the United States on matters concerning mobility and consular affairs to ensure that the legitimate interests of Indian citizens are protected. “We remain engaged with the US side on all mobility and consular issues,” Jaiswal emphasised.
The issue arises as Washington updates its visa protocols, which now include scrutiny of applicants’ digital footprints. While no changes have been reported to the US travel advisory for India—which remains at Level 2—MEA officials reiterated that such advisories are periodically updated based on dynamic factors.
On broader bilateral ties, Jaiswal reaffirmed the strength of the India-US relationship, grounded in shared democratic values and growing strategic convergence. “Our partnership continues to receive high-level attention and is manifested in sustained dialogue across sectors—trade, critical technology, energy, defence, and more,” he noted.
As visa-seeking Indian nationals adjust to evolving protocols, New Delhi’s stance reflects a continued focus on fairness, mobility rights, and the deepening of Indo-US cooperation in the global arena.
