Rephrase the title:Issue of US visas in India being speeded up, says Ambassador Garcetti

The United States is ramping up its visa issuance in India, particularly in Hyderabad, with plans to open new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to New Delhi, revealed these developments on Monday. He also inspected the premises for the new consulate in Ahmedabad during his visit to the city to watch the India-Australia World Cup cricket final.

Garcetti stated that the number of US visas issued in India has increased by one-third in recent weeks as part of efforts to clear the backlog. He acknowledged that the waiting time for US visas for students and tourists has decreased, ranging from six months to a year depending on the application office. However, he assured that the US is prioritizing expediting visa issuance for Indian nationals.

The ambassador attributed the delays to the growing number of applicants, a trend also observed in other large countries like Brazil and Mexico. Despite these challenges, the US is dedicated to streamlining the visa process for Indian citizens.

This move is part of the broader initiative to strengthen US-India relations and facilitate travel and exchange between the two countries. With the expansion of consulate offices and increased staff, the US aims to address the growing demand for visas and enhance diplomatic ties with India.

These developments mark a significant step in US-India relations, reflecting the importance of facilitating travel and fostering connections between the two nations. The efforts to address visa backlogs and reduce waiting times underscore the commitment to bolstering ties and promoting greater collaboration between the US and India.