India will raise concerns over delays in student visa approvals during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia later this month, with the issue expected to form part of discussions between the two countries' leaders, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
Addressing a media briefing on the Prime Minister's three-nation tour, MEA Joint Secretary (Indo-Pacific) Vishwesh Negi said Australia remained one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students and that New Delhi was engaged with Canberra to ensure visa-related issues did not affect genuine applicants.
"We are aware of the concerns of Indian students facing delays in approval of student visa applications, including various other aspects of the admission process. We continue to remain engaged with the Australian government to ensure that the visa process does not reduce opportunities for genuine students and professionals from India. This issue will be part of the discussions between the leaders," Negi said.
Prime Minister Modi will visit Indonesia on July 8-9, Australia on July 10 and New Zealand on July 11 as part of a three-country tour aimed at strengthening India's strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Focus on strategic cooperation
MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said Modi would participate in the third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne, where both sides would review bilateral ties and explore cooperation in emerging sectors.
He said discussions would focus on critical minerals, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, emerging technologies and other areas of strategic importance as the two countries seek to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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Responding to questions on the activities of Khalistan supporters in Australia, Tandon said India consistently raises concerns relating to terrorism and violent extremism in all its engagements with partner countries.
He said New Delhi maintained that terrorism remained a serious threat to international peace and security and expressed confidence that Australia shared India's commitment to combating violent extremism.
Diaspora outreach, Indonesia and New Zealand visits
The MEA also confirmed that interactions with the Indian diaspora would form part of the Prime Minister's engagements in Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, although the format would vary in each country.
In Indonesia, Modi will visit Jakarta and Yogyakarta, where India and Indonesia are collaborating on conservation work at the historic Prambanan Temple complex.
The visit to New Zealand on July 11 will mark the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years and is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology and regional security.
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