India engages US over stricter visa rules affecting Indian students, visitors

India has initiated diplomatic discussions with U.S. officials over recent changes to American visa policies that are expected to impact thousands of Indian students and visitors. The move comes after the Trump administration announced stricter rules limiting how long foreign students and exchange visitors can remain in the United States. The new regulations, set to take effect in September, aim to curb what the U.S. government describes as widespread misuse of the visa system. Under the revised policy, international students holding F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas will no longer be able to stay in the U.S. indefinitely while completing their studies. Instead, they will be restricted to a maximum of four years unless they receive special permission from federal authorities. This marks a departure from the previous "duration of status" rule, which allowed students to remain in the country as long as they were enrolled in valid programs. The change also limits the ability of students to switch academic programs or transfer between universities without seeking additional approval. Previously, higher education institutions had the authority to extend visas based on the student's progress. These restrictions are part of broader efforts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to address concerns about visa abuse and enhance national security through increased oversight. India's External Affairs Ministry confirmed that it is actively engaging with U.S. counterparts to address the potential challenges posed by these new rules. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a routine press briefing that India would raise concerns about the impact on legitimate travelers and students. He emphasized that while visa and immigration matters fall under the sovereignty of individual nations, India remains committed to resolving issues that affect its citizens. The U.S. government justified the changes by citing instances of individuals exploiting the visa system to remain in the country indefinitely. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin noted that some students had been using the system to avoid returning home, often by enrolling in successive courses. The department aims to ensure that visa holders comply with the intended purpose of their stays. In addition to the visa policy changes, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a new bill targeting major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. The proposed legislation includes a 100% tariff on the top five countries buying Russian energy resources. India has consistently maintained that its energy procurement strategies are guided by market dynamics and the imperative to secure energy supplies for its vast population. Indian officials have expressed awareness of the proposed legislation but have not yet commented on its implications. They reiterated that India's energy choices are dictated by economic considerations and the necessity to meet domestic demand. Over the past few years, Russia has become one of India's primary suppliers of crude oil, despite sanctions imposed by Western nations. The evolving relationship between India and the United States continues to be shaped by mutual interests and strategic priorities. While both nations share common goals in areas such as trade and counterterrorism, differences arise over issues like energy policy and immigration regulation. As the new visa rules come into force, the extent of their impact on Indian students and the effectiveness of India's diplomatic engagement with the U.S. will become clearer in the coming months.