On the first day of his India visit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio introduced a new project named “America First” visa scheduling, which will prioritize business professionals in securing US visa appointments.
Every year, millions of people wait for visa interview slots, and many fail to obtain appointments. The delays often affect students, tourists, and other travelers. Under the new initiative, the United States will prioritize business professionals for visa scheduling in an effort to strengthen trade and commercial ties with partner nations — ultimately benefiting the economy.
Rubio launched the project on Saturday during his India visit.
“We’re introducing a new America First visa schedule that prioritizes business professionals that strengthen these ties,” Rubio said during inauguration of a new consular wing in New Delhi.
Rubio shared moments of the inauguration ceremony on X, stating, “Dedicated a new consular wing at our Embassy in New Delhi that will provide the necessary infrastructure for more rigorous vetting, processing, and screening to protect U.S. borders. Every visa decision is a national security decision, and I’m proud to empower the Americans who work here as they serve on the frontlines of advancing our interests and President Trump’s America First foreign policy.”
Rubio arrived in Kolkata earlier on Saturday before travelling to New Delhi for meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials as part of his four-day India visit.
During his visit, Rubio also met Prime Minister Modi, followed by a visit to the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Kolkata, established by Mother Teresa.
“Happy to receive the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio. Prime Minister Modi posted on X. “We discussed sustained progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and issues related to regional and global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work closely for the global good.”
According to the United States Department of State, Secretary Rubio is also visiting other countries, including Sweden, as part of his foreign tour.
In an official statement regarding Rubio’s foreign visit, the State Department said: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Helsingborg, Sweden, May 22 to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting where he will discuss the need for increased defense investment and greater burden sharing in the Alliance. He will meet his counterparts from the Arctic Seven nations to discuss our shared economic and security interests in the Arctic and our strengthened posture in the High North. He will also have bilateral meetings with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. From Sweden, Secretary Rubio will travel to India from May 23-26, where he will visit Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. The Secretary will discuss energy security, trade, and defense cooperation during meetings with senior Indian officials.”