File photo of Narendra Modi
Asserting that there has been no change in its visa policy, the US on Tuesday 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In 2005, Modi was denied a diplomatic visa and his existing tourist and business visa was revoked under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which makes a foreign government official responsible for severe violations of religious freedom ineligible for a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.