Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday said discussions with Australian leaders during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit reflected their strong appreciation for the people-to-people relationship between the two countries, while also acknowledging concerns over changes to the student visa assessment framework and visa processing delays.
Dismissing reports suggesting restrictions on new applications, Misri said Australia has assured India that its more rigorous visa processes would not reduce opportunities for genuine Indian students.
Addressing a press briefing on PM Modi’s engagements in Melbourne, Misri said, “On the issue related to student visas, we are aware that there have been concerns among Indian students regarding some of the changes that have taken place in the assessment framework and the delays some visa applications have been subjected to. Throughout the day, in discussions with Australian leaders, we heard nothing but appreciation and a commitment to further strengthening this aspect of our people-to-people exchanges.”
“There was acknowledgement that some of the processes may be more onerous, but there was also assurance that this will not result in a reduction of opportunities for genuine students from India. I am also aware that there are reports suggesting that people may be restricted from applying; I don’t think there is any truth to those reports,” he added.
Misri said India is “reasonably assured” that Australia will continue to keep educational opportunities open and fair for Indian students and welcome genuine applicants.
“So, cooperation on the student exchange front, and opportunities for Indian students to come and study in Australia, remain open and fair. We are reasonably assured that Australian authorities will continue to welcome genuine Indian students,” he noted.
-IANS
