Washington: The US today remained non-committal on granting a visa to Narendra Modi who has been named BJP's prime ministerial candidate, saying there was no change in its longstanding visa policy.
Modi, denied a visa in 2005 on the ground of alleged human rights violations after the 2002 riots in Gujarat, can apply like any other applicant and have his case reviewed under American laws, said State Department spokesperson Marie Harf.
Harf was asked at a news briefing whether there was a change in US policy after Modi was named the BJP's prime ministerial candidate yesterday.
“As to the specific case, there's no change in our longstanding visa policy. With regard to the Chief Minister, he is welcome to apply for a visa and await a review like any other applicant,” she said.
“That review will be, of course, grounded in US law. And I just am not going to speculate about what the outcome of that review might be,” Harf said.
