U.S. Defends Meeting Modi; Terms It An Effort To Engage With Indian Leaders

It is just a reflection, as I’ve stated a few times, of U.S.  reaching out to a range of individuals from different backgrounds, different political affiliations, which we do in countries around the world,” she said. Psaki said there is no change in the U.S.  visa policy.

“When individuals apply for a visa, their applications are reviewed in accordance with U.S.  law and policy. This is not a reflection of any change. We don’t speak to that. This is simply a meeting happening on the ground in India. It’s not a reflection of anything else than outreach to a broad range of officials,” she said.

Responding to questions, Psaki refuted the allegations that this decision of the Administration is influenced by the lobbying efforts of some pro-Modi group and business community in the U.S.

“This is simply a meeting that we’re going to be having that the Ambassador is going to be having on the ground. Nothing has changed about our visa policy. We don’t speak to that, given it’s private,” she said.

“So this is not a reflection of that changing, and certainly not a reflection of anything changing regarding our longstanding and strong advocacy for human rights around the world,” the spokesperson said.

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