India Opens Talks With U.S. Over Stricter Visa Rules for Students and Professionals

The discussions, confirmed by Indian officials, focus on seeking greater flexibility in visa categories, introducing in-country renewals, and cutting administrative hurdles for Indian nationals. The move comes as U.S. visa policies have tightened, impacting thousands of Indian students and professionals.

India's Ministry of External Affairs is leading the dialogue, with an emphasis on streamlining processes for those pursuing education and employment. The talks also cover journalists, whose visa approvals have faced increased scrutiny.

A key demand is the implementation of in-country visa renewals, which would allow applicants to extend their visas without leaving the U.S., reducing costs and delays. Currently, many must travel abroad for renewals, a process that has become more cumbersome under recent rules.

The outcome of these negotiations could significantly affect the large Indian diaspora in the U.S., which includes over a million students and professionals. Both sides have expressed a willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions, though no timeline for changes has been announced.