Visa policy unchanged, Narendra Modi can apply and wait for review: US

WASHINGTON: Asserting that there has been no change in its visa policy, the US today said Narendra Modi who has been named BJP's prime ministerial candidate is welcome to apply for a visa and wait for a review.

"No change in our longstanding visa policy. He's welcome to apply for a visa and await a review like any other applicant," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters at her daily news conference.

"Visa applications are confidential, or at least the details of them. I can check on that, but not to my knowledge," Harf said when specifically asked if Modi has applied for a US visa.

In 2005, Modi was denied a diplomatic visa and his existing tourist and business visa was revoked under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which makes a foreign government official responsible for severe violations of religious freedom ineligible for a travel document.