In 2005, Modi was denied a diplomatic visa and his existing tourist and business visa was revoked under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which makes a foreign government official responsible for severe violations of religious freedom ineligible for a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.
Harf refused to comment on the BJP's decision to name Modi as its prime ministerial candidate, saying it was a domestic issue.
“I'm not going to comment on domestic Indian politics. These are decisions for the Indian people to make, certainly not for me to make judgements on one way or the other,” she said.
Asked about the US “always” engaging with opposition parties and leaders of other countries, Harf said, “I would take a little issue with ‘always' engaging with folks. If we have anything new to update for you, we will.”