Over 140k visas issued to Indian students in FY 2023: US State Dept
The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued an all-time record of more than 140,000 student visas from October 2022 through September 2023, the State Department announced.
India on Tuesday denied issuing a ‘demarche’ to the US authorities over the killing of Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla in an apparent racial attack in Kansas while acknowledging that America had pro-actively responded to the tragic incident.
Responding to a query regarding reports that the Indian Embassy in Washington had issued a demarche to the US State Department, MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the US authorities were engaged with India on the larger concern regarding safety of Indians in the US, a matter which was receiving the government’s top priority. The action taken in the matter by the US authorities ‘obviated’ the need for demarche by the government in the matter, he added.
"I would like to draw your attention to the strong condemnation of the tragic shooting, issued by the US Embassy in New Delhi on 24th February. Further, the Charge d` Affaires of USA stated that the US welcomes people from across the world and the US authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case," the spokesperson said.
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Emphasising that this approach was reflected in the sentiments and assurances from senior most authorities of Kansas, who have reached out to the Indian Consul General in Houston, he said one should also not forget the ‘noble and courageous’ gesture of the young American Ian Grillot, who risked his life while countering the shooter.
Earlier on Tuesday, almost a week after the killing, the White House spoke on the murder of the Indian engineer, saying that "early reports out of Kansas are…disturbing."
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