The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the recent update by the US Embassy requiring visa applicants to disclose their social media handles. While addressing a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that visa assessments for Indian citizens should be handled purely on a merit basis.
“Visa and immigration processes are sovereign matters of individual nations. However, we have noted the US Embassy’s guidelines mandating the submission of social media identifiers,” Jaiswal stated. “Our belief is that Indian visa applications should be judged objectively and fairly,” he added.
He reaffirmed that India is in active dialogue with the United States on all consular and mobility matters to safeguard the rights and interests of Indian citizens.
On the topic of travel guidelines, Jaiswal clarified that countries routinely update advisories based on various situational assessments. “The United States recently updated its travel advisory for India on June 16, but the level remains unchanged at Level 2,” he informed. “This status has remained consistent for several years.”
When asked about the visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to the White House and his meeting with President Donald Trump, Jaiswal acknowledged the development but refrained from further comments.
Instead, he highlighted the enduring strength of the India-US relationship, describing it as broad and rooted in democratic values. “Our partnership spans critical areas such as technology, defence, trade, and energy. This cooperation reflects the strategic convergence between our two nations,” he remarked.
Jaiswal underscored that the comprehensive strategic engagement between India and the United States is one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. “We are confident in its trajectory, as it continues to receive consistent high-level attention and tangible outcomes,” he concluded.
