US Consul General Melinda Pavek has said that over 18 lakh people from India are expected to visit the United States this year.
“Our relationship with India is important and facilitating people-to-people connections is at its core,” she said while inaugurating the relocated Visa Application Center (VAC) in Kolkata.
Pavek emphasised the recognition offered by both countries of the immense potential in collaborating across critical and emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and space exploration.
She also said, “Streamlined visa processes and facilities that prioritize efficiency and transparency facilitate these collaborations, empowering Indians and Americans to explore new ventures and partnerships. This year, we anticipate more than 1.8 million travellers from India with travel to the United States, further growing the ties between our nations.”
Jeffrey Miles, Visas Coordinator for the US Mission in India, said, “In 2023 alone, the US Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million US visas. This includes over 700,000 visitor visas, demonstrating the immense interest in travel and cultural exchange between India and the United States.”