Indian American Call for Increased Staff at India’s Foreign Consuls
During the latest Indian elections, several Indian American community leaders participated in a discussion on how the new Indian government could strengthen ties with the United States. To achieve this goal, India must first increase its consular staff in the United States and other countries around the world. Indiana University professor Dr. Sumit Ganguly pointed out that the visa process is problematic for travelers to India and may inhibit the growth of strong relationships. He argued that increasing consular staff could make the application process flow more smoothly and limit the difficulties that discourage travel to India. Sanjay Puri, chairman of the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), suggested that the new government use funding from the "Incredible India" campaign to augment consular staff. He believes that doing so would boost cultural tourism and increase trade while improving India’s image among Indians living abroad, particularly among potential investors. USINPAC has expressed faith in the new Indian prime minister’s ability to restore investor confidence and called for a meeting between the prime minister and President Barack Obama to reinforce the US-India relationship.
