Indian professionals working in the U.S. just got some news that would elicit a sigh of relief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that they can soon renew their H-1B work visas without needing to leave the U.S.

"America's new consulates will be opened in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. It has now been decided that the H1B visa renewal can be done in the U.S. itself," PM Modi said in his address to Indians gathered at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC.

This decision was made following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden, as part of a diplomatic initiative.

To simplify the H-1B renewal process for Indians working in the US, the U.S. authorities have announced the introduction of 'in-country' renewable H-1B visas.

New Indian consulates coming up in the U.S.

India plans to open a new consulate in Seattle this year, and two more Indian consulates will be opened in due time in other American cities.

"Together we are not just forming policies and agreements, we are shaping lives, dreams and destinies," said PM Modi.

This came to light the day after the two countries welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of State. The announcement said that a pilot program would start processing renewals of specific temporary work visas within the country later this year.

"The leaders welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of State that it would launch a pilot to adjudicate domestic renewals of certain petition-based temporary work visas later this year, including for Indian nationals, with the intent to implement this for an expanded pool of H1B and L visa holders in 2024 and eventually broadening the program to include other eligible categories," the joint statement said.

The two leaders agreed that the movement of professionals, students, and investors plays a crucial role in strengthening the partnership between the countries.

Over the past three days, a new chapter in U.S.-India relations has begun. This fresh phase focuses on the countries’ shared strategic global issues and collaborative efforts towards 'Make in India, Make for the World'.

Both nations are taking steps forward through technology transfer, manufacturing cooperation, and enhanced coordination in industrial supply chains. A highlight of this progress is General Electric Company's decision to manufacture fighter planes in India - a move that will strengthen India's defense sector significantly.

More foreign investments in India

As a result of these talks, firms including Google, Micron, and Applied Materials have revealed plans for significant investments in India. These plans will boost employment opportunities across the country. Additionally, the Artemis Accord between India and the U.S. paves the way for exciting space research prospects. In collaboration with NASA, India aims to send astronauts into space; truly proving that 'the sky's not the limit', as the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi concluded his address to the audience by saying, "I want to thank you all for showing such a beautiful image of 'Ek Bharat, Sreshth Bharat', in America. The amount of love I am getting in the U.S. is wonderful, all the credit goes to the people of this country. President Biden and I had a lot of discussions in the last 3 days. I can say that he is an experienced politician. He has always tried to take the India-U.S. partnership to another level."

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