Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple inauguration on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. Watch this report for more details!

Ram Mandir: Welcome to the temple town of Ayodhya

Ram Mandir: Preparation in full swing, seven-day Vedic rituals begin at Ram temple

A teenager hailing from the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been an instant hit on the internet. In a video posted online Syed Zehra Batool is seen singing 'Ram Bhajan' in her video.

Kashmir: Syed Zehra Batool's 'Ram Bhajan' performance makes her internet sensation

Adverse weather conditions are gripping the capital city of india, Delhi, and its surrounding areas. This as a thick blanket of fog enveloped the city, causing visibility to plummet to nearly zero. The relentless cold wave continued to persist as the minimum temperature in the national capital region dropped to 7 degrees Celsius. The dense fog drastically reduced visibility, creating an environment where navigating through the streets became really difficult.

Dense fog in Delhi: Reduced visibility disrupts flights out of Delhi, intense cold wave prevails

A high-level team of CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leaving soon for the UK to expedite extradition of India's most wanted fugitives, including defence dealer dealer Sanjay Bhandari, diamond trader Nirav Modi and Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya.

Indian investigation team to visit UK to meet authorities, to seek details on 3 fugitives

Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions. <o:p></o:p>

The sector's robust performance in the latest quarter, outperforming sales expectations, has spurred investor enthusiasm and brightened the sector's outlook. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infosys Ltd. led the charge, capitalising on stronger-than-anticipated results.<o:p></o:p>

The buoyancy in India's software giants is underpinned by an unexpected surge in sales during the last quarter, defying market expectations. Wipro Ltd., in particular, experienced a notable intraday rally of up to 14 per cent, marking its most significant surge since July 2020. <o:p></o:p>

Analysts attribute this boost to the company's surprise revenue beat, prompting rating upgrades from several brokerages. <o:p></o:p>

HCL Technologies Ltd. achieved a record high, driven by its optimistic revenue growth forecast. <o:p></o:p>

Bloomberg cited analyst Siddarth Bhamre of Religare Broking Ltd., who noted that the positive shift in sentiment is evident in the management commentary, with companies like Infosys expressing newfound optimism.<o:p></o:p>

As the earnings season unfolds, the landscape for global firms' discretionary spending on technology projects remains uncertain. <o:p></o:p>

However, Indian tech giants continue to forge ahead with strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency. <o:p></o:p>

Emphasising their commitment to innovation, these companies are also leveraging their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). <o:p></o:p>

According to Bloomberg, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh highlighted the growing significance of generative AI in client discussions during an earnings call last week.<o:p></o:p>

Analysts and brokerages have responded to the sector's robust performance by upgrading ratings and revising earnings estimates.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;At least six brokerages raised their ratings on Infosys post-earnings. <o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. analysts upgraded ratings on both Wipro's US and India-listed shares.<o:p></o:p>

Phillipcapital analyst Karan Uppal expressed confidence that further downgrades in earnings estimates are unlikely, anticipating a rebound and growth in earnings for these companies in the next fiscal year, starting April.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions.

Indian technology behemoths are off to a stellar start in the new year, with key players, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies, collectively witnessing a surge of $22 billion in market value over the last two trading sessions. The sector's robust performance in the latest quarter, outperforming sales expectations, has spurred investor enthusiasm and brightened the sector's outlook. Notably, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. and Infosys Ltd. led the charge, capitalising on stronger-than-anticipated results. The buoyancy in India's software giants is underpinned by an unexpected surge in sales during the last quarter, defying market expectations. Wipro Ltd., in particular, experienced a notable intraday rally of up to 14 per cent, marking its most significant surge since July 2020. Analysts attribute this boost to the company's surprise revenue beat, prompting rating upgrades from several brokerages. HCL Technologies Ltd. achieved a record high, driven by its optimistic revenue growth forecast. Bloomberg cited analyst Siddarth Bhamre of Religare Broking Ltd., who noted that the positive shift in sentiment is evident in the management commentary, with companies like Infosys expressing newfound optimism. As the earnings season unfolds, the landscape for global firms' discretionary spending on technology projects remains uncertain. However, Indian tech giants continue to forge ahead with strategic initiatives aimed at cost reduction and operational efficiency. Emphasising their commitment to innovation, these companies are also leveraging their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). According to Bloomberg, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh highlighted the growing significance of generative AI in client discussions during an earnings call last week. Analysts and brokerages have responded to the sector's robust performance by upgrading ratings and revising earnings estimates. At least six brokerages raised their ratings on Infosys post-earnings. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts upgraded ratings on both Wipro's US and India-listed shares. Phillipcapital analyst Karan Uppal expressed confidence that further downgrades in earnings estimates are unlikely, anticipating a rebound and growth in earnings for these companies in the next fiscal year, starting April. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

Indian tech giants surge, adding $22 billion to market cap in two-day rally: Report

Indian investigation team to visit UK to seek details of extradition on three fugitives

Continued threats, constant stress and periodic conflicts over seven decades across the land frontiers with Pakistan and China, that has majorly shaped India's military force structure.

Army Day India: India Army Chief Manoj Pande pays homage to soldiers killed in action

Army Day India: For the second year, Army Day parade relocated outside of Delhi

In a huge setback to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, oppostion party Maldives Democratic Party (MDP)'s candidate Adam Azim won the mayoral elections of Male amid the ongoing diplomatic standoff with India.

India-Maldives row: Indian diplomats in Maldives for talks; Muizzu's party looses key local poll

Maldives' president Mohamed Muizzu has set a deadline for India to withdraw its small number of military personnel from the country by March 15. This request for the withdrawal of Indian troops has come amid a diplomatic row between the two nations and calls within the country to oust the pro-China leader.

Gravitas: Maldives' Muizzu faces ouster threat | Pro-China leader gives Indian troops deadline to go

As dense fog caused flight delays at the Delhi airport, an angry passenger hit a pilot while he was announcing a further delay in the flight's departure. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Frustrated over flight delay, angry passenger slaps pilot

Ahead of the Ram Mandir's inauguration ceremony next week, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has purchased a plot valued at Rs 14.5 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya.

Ram Mandir| Ayodhya: Transformation of a temple town

Foreign portfolio investors navigate a cautious start in 2024, injecting over $458 million into indian equities amid rising global tensions. Additionally, india’s debt market sees a significant surge, credited to jpmorgan's influence.

Foreign inflows defy global concerns in India

After years of discussion, India and Iran have signed a key agreement to develop the Chabahar Port in South-east Iran. The agreement will pave the way for India's first major foreign port project. The deal was signed during Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar's ongoing visit to Iran.

India, Iran ink historic Chabahar Port Agreement

Stock markets are very sensitive to political & economic shifts. The report looks at how Indian markets have responded to the last 6 budget announcements.

How markets react on Budget day | World Business Watch

Indian diplomats discuss presence of Indian troops in Maldives, Indian govt yet to comment on meet

India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana. Initially declared dead by doctors in Patiala, Brar's "lifeless" body was en route to his hometown near Karnal for the final rites when a pothole altered the course of events.

As the ambulance carrying Brar hit a pothole, his grandson, who accompanied him, observed a movement in his hand. Sensing a faint heartbeat, the quick-thinking grandson urged the ambulance driver to divert to the nearest hospital. Contrary to the earlier declaration of death, doctors at the new hospital confirmed signs of life in Brar.

<h2>From 'mourning to hope'</h2>

Brar&nbsp;is presently receiving critical care at a hospital in Karnal. The family, initially plunged into grief, now sees the incident as a miraculous turn of events and anticipates a swift recovery.

"My brother in Patiala informed us around 9 am on Thursday about our grandfather's death, and he was getting him to Nising (roughly 100 km away) in an ambulance for his last rites. We had informed our relatives and other local residents who knew him and they had already gathered to mourn his passing. A tent had been set up and food had also been arranged for the mourners. We had also got wood for the cremation,"&nbsp;Balwan Singh, one of Brar's grandsons, told NDTV.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-oldest-tigress-who-brought-back-sariska-reserve-to-life-dies-aged-19-679699">Also read | India’s oldest tigress, Rajmata, credited with reviving Sariska reserve, passes away at 19</a>

During the ambulance journey near Dhand village in Haryana's Kaithal, the pothole impact prompted Brar's grandson to re-evaluate his condition.

To everyone's astonishment, the elderly man exhibited signs of life. The ambulance was redirected to the nearest hospital, where doctors confirmed Brar's vitality. Subsequently, he was referred to the NP Rawal Hospital in Karnal.

<h2>What are the doctors saying?</h2>

Although Dr Netrapal from Rawal Hospital refrained from confirming the prior death declaration, he told NDTV&nbsp;that Brar arrived breathing with stable blood pressure and a pulse, although Brar's current critical condition, marked by chest infections and laborious breathing, keeps him in the ICU.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Makar Sankranti: Here's how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different Indian states

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/makar-sankranti-heres-how-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated-in-different-indian-states-679745/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana.

India is often criticised for the poor road conditions and the numerous potholes in them that cause inconvenience and sometimes lead to accidents. However, in a bizarre incident, a pothole became a lifesaver for an 80-year-old man, Darshan Singh Brar, from the Indian state of Haryana. Initially declared dead by doctors in Patiala, Brar's "lifeless" body was en route to his hometown near Karnal for the final rites when a pothole altered the course of events. As the ambulance carrying Brar hit a pothole, his grandson, who accompanied him, observed a movement in his hand. Sensing a faint heartbeat, the quick-thinking grandson urged the ambulance driver to divert to the nearest hospital. Contrary to the earlier declaration of death, doctors at the new hospital confirmed signs of life in Brar. From 'mourning to hope' Brar is presently receiving critical care at a hospital in Karnal. The family, initially plunged into grief, now sees the incident as a miraculous turn of events and anticipates a swift recovery. "My brother in Patiala informed us around 9 am on Thursday about our grandfather's death, and he was getting him to Nising (roughly 100 km away) in an ambulance for his last rites. We had informed our relatives and other local residents who knew him and they had already gathered to mourn his passing. A tent had been set up and food had also been arranged for the mourners. We had also got wood for the cremation," Balwan Singh, one of Brar's grandsons, told NDTV. Also read | India’s oldest tigress, Rajmata, credited with reviving Sariska reserve, passes away at 19 During the ambulance journey near Dhand village in Haryana's Kaithal, the pothole impact prompted Brar's grandson to re-evaluate his condition. To everyone's astonishment, the elderly man exhibited signs of life. The ambulance was redirected to the nearest hospital, where doctors confirmed Brar's vitality. Subsequently, he was referred to the NP Rawal Hospital in Karnal. What are the doctors saying? Although Dr Netrapal from Rawal Hospital refrained from confirming the prior death declaration, he told NDTV that Brar arrived breathing with stable blood pressure and a pulse, although Brar's current critical condition, marked by chest infections and laborious breathing, keeps him in the ICU. Also watch | Makar Sankranti: Here's how Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different Indian states (With inputs from agencies)

India: Pothole jolt brings 80-year-old clinically dead man to life in Haryana

Iowa Republicans are caucusing Monday to decide their state’s GOP presidential nominee, officially kick-starting the 2024 election.

Iowa Caucus 2024:  Litmus test for GOP candidates

The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped railway station, which will now be called Ayodhya Dham. Ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya District in India's Northern State of Uttar Pradesh which is on the cusp of an economic transformation.

Ram Mandir: Ayodhya, a global investment destination

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- A man in the northern Indian state of Punjab was detained by police earlier this month for impersonating a girl and attempting to take a recruitment exam for health workers.

India: Police detain man in Punjab for impersonating a girl during exam

Sachin Tendulkar has called for action on a deepfake video that went viral on social media. The video shows Tendulkar endorsing a gaming app called "Skyward Aviator Quest". In the 30-second ad, Tendulkar can be heard speaking in Hindi.

Sachin Tendulkar calls for action on his deepfake video

PM Modi will preside over ceremonial installation of Shri Ram Lalla

Ahead of the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir, Indian star Amitabh Bachchan has already bought a plot to build a home in Ayodhya. The megastar bought the plot in the Sarayu a seven-star mixed-use Enclave in the region.

Amitabh Bachchan buys land in Ayodhya for $1million

United Kingdom backing anti-India secessionists. British Police are warning Pro Khalistan Sikh individuals in the UK of threats to their lives. This follows the visit of the European nation's High Commissioner to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10th. Watch to know more.

UK backing anti-India secessionist elements?

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Saturday (Jan 13) announced that 178 prison workers, held hostage since last Monday (Jan 1) by the inmates in at least seven prisons across the country, were finally freed. In other news, the Indian National Congress (INC) received&nbsp;a major jolt ahead of the general elections as young party leader Milind Deora announced his resignation, ending his family's '55-year-old relationship' with the political outfit.

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-violence-41-hostage-prison-workers-freed-136-remain-captive-679751">Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim</a>

All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/12/405237-succession-2024-01-12t012853204.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-milind-deora-resigns-from-congress-ends-familys-55-year-relationship-with-the-party-679767">India: Milind Deora resigns from Congress, ends family's '55-year relationship' with the party</a>

Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year-old association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party.&nbsp;

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/09/24/111220-deora.JPG?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-leaders-reach-short-term-deal-to-avert-government-shutdown-till-march-report-679759">US Congress leaders reach short-term deal to avert government shutdown till March: Report</a>

The US Congress has reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would help avoid a government shutdown, according to a&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;report that cites sources.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/14/287599-untitled-design-8.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cannot-bully-us-maldives-president-muizzu-takes-swipe-at-india-after-china-visit-679750">'Cannot bully us': Maldives President Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit</a>

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has taken a swipe at India, amid the ongoing diplomatic row after returning from his five-day trip to China.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/08/404391-untitled-design-2024-01-08t130831950.png?imwidth=3840" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-elections-2024-lai-ching-te-wins-presidential-election-amid-china-threat-679771">Watch |&nbsp;Taiwan Elections 2024: Lai Ching-Te wins Presidential election amid China threat</a>

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Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Saturday (Jan 13) announced that 178 prison workers, held hostage since last Monday (Jan 1) by the inmates in at least seven prisons across the country, were finally freed.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Saturday (Jan 13) announced that 178 prison workers, held hostage since last Monday (Jan 1) by the inmates in at least seven prisons across the country, were finally freed. In other news, the Indian National Congress (INC) received a major jolt ahead of the general elections as young party leader Milind Deora announced his resignation, ending his family's '55-year-old relationship' with the political outfit. Click on headlines to read more: Ecuador violence: 178 hostage prison workers freed, officials claim All prison staff held by inmates at prisons in Ecuador amid a sharp uptick in violence had been freed by Saturday (Jan 13) evening, the SNAI prisons agency said. India: Milind Deora resigns from Congress, ends family's '55-year relationship' with the party Congress leader Milind Deora on Sunday (Jan 14) announced his resignation from the Congress party, ending a 55-year-old association of the Deora family with the country's oldest political party. US Congress leaders reach short-term deal to avert government shutdown till March: Report The US Congress has reached an agreement on a short-term spending deal that would help avoid a government shutdown, according to a CNN report that cites sources. 'Cannot bully us': Maldives President Muizzu takes swipe at India after China visit Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has taken a swipe at India, amid the ongoing diplomatic row after returning from his five-day trip to China. Watch | Taiwan Elections 2024: Lai Ching-Te wins Presidential election amid China threat ×

Morning news brief: Ecuador prison workers freed, Congress leader Milind Deora resigns, and more

Sikhs residing in Britain have received a warning from the police that their lives are in jeopardy due to heightened tensions over the separatist movement in India and allegations of intimidation by the Narendra Modi government.

UK: Threat to life notices for pro-Khalistan individuals: Report

Heavy fog has led to travel disruptions and road accidents in the city and other parts of northern India. Now, Delhi has recorded its lowest minimum temperature at 3.3 degrees celcius.

India: Dense fog engulfs national capital Delhi, records lowest temperature at 3.3 degrees

The highly publicised 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by the Indian National Congress (INC) will start on Sunday (Jan 14). The country-wide march will begin from the Nyay Maidan in Khongjom in the Thoubal district of Manipur at 12:20 pm IST.

India: Congress to kick off 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi to revive party fortunes

India's rise on the global stage dominated headlines in 2023, and the effects of that are on witness in 2024 and beyond. India's affluent class is growing and is set to surpass the 100 million mark in a few years. So, what are the factors that are leading to this wealth boom in India and what does this mean for the global economy?

India's affluent class to reach 100 million by 2027

The US is mulling granting India "treaty country status" under which the new E1 and E2 visa options will open for Indian traders and businessmen travelling to American cities. The two countries are also discussing a proposal to allow H-1B visa holders and their family members to renew their visas in America only, without having to travel to India.&nbsp;

India presented the proposals at the&nbsp;Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting on Friday (Jan 12)&nbsp;co-chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and&nbsp;US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.&nbsp;

During the meeting, the two sides noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers as well as students and investors immensely enhanced the&nbsp;bilateral economic and technological partnership.

"The (Indian) commerce department and the ministry of external affairs have been working together on several issues and we had a very good year in 2023 in our relationship with the US," said Goyal in a media interaction.&nbsp;

The joint statement added: “Minister Goyal highlighted challenges being faced by business visitors from India due to visa processing time periods and requested the US to augment processing."

As for the H-1B visa, an official in the know of the matter said New Delhi had requested Washington to make the arrangement permanent.&nbsp;Currently, in the US, the state-side facility is in a pilot programme. The state-side&nbsp;facility means the person staying with an H1B visa can get it renewed in the US only.

"We are asking to extend this facility not only to the original visa holder but to his/her family also so that the family does not need to come back to India for renewal of visas,” the unnamed officials was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/record-number-of-india-students-get-us-visas-664411">WATCH |&nbsp;Record number of India students get US visas</a>

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<h2>What are E1 and E2 visas?</h2>

The two visa types, commonly referred to as E1 (the Treaty Trader) and E2 (Treaty Investor) were established to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries.&nbsp;

US immigration law explicitly states that "E-1 visa holders must enter solely to carry on substantial trade and E-2 holders solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise&nbsp;in which he or she has invested".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-processes-1-million-visas-to-indian-in-2023-garcetti-says-more-to-come-640571">Also read |&nbsp;Record number of India studeUS processes 1 million visas to Indians in 2023, ambassador Eric Garcetti says more to come</a>

These visas are only extended to countries who are part of the treaty countries of the US. They can be renewed or extended only if the investment or trade continues to meet all applicable requirements of US immigration laws and regulations.

As many as&nbsp;100 countries, including China (Taiwan), Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka have been granted treaty country status but India is yet to receive it.&nbsp;

Notably, these visas are non-immigrant visas and thus 'temporary'. Any individual wishing to remain indefinitely in the US may need to apply for the other appropriate immigrant visa option.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US is mulling granting India "treaty country status" under which the new E1 and E2 visa options will open for Indian traders and businessmen travelling to American cities.

The US is mulling granting India "treaty country status" under which the new E1 and E2 visa options will open for Indian traders and businessmen travelling to American cities. The two countries are also discussing a proposal to allow H-1B visa holders and their family members to renew their visas in America only, without having to travel to India. India presented the proposals at the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting on Friday (Jan 12) co-chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. During the meeting, the two sides noted that the movement of professional and skilled workers as well as students and investors immensely enhanced the bilateral economic and technological partnership. "The (Indian) commerce department and the ministry of external affairs have been working together on several issues and we had a very good year in 2023 in our relationship with the US," said Goyal in a media interaction. The joint statement added: “Minister Goyal highlighted challenges being faced by business visitors from India due to visa processing time periods and requested the US to augment processing." As for the H-1B visa, an official in the know of the matter said New Delhi had requested Washington to make the arrangement permanent. Currently, in the US, the state-side facility is in a pilot programme. The state-side facility means the person staying with an H1B visa can get it renewed in the US only. "We are asking to extend this facility not only to the original visa holder but to his/her family also so that the family does not need to come back to India for renewal of visas,” the unnamed officials was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. WATCH | Record number of India students get US visas × What are E1 and E2 visas? The two visa types, commonly referred to as E1 (the Treaty Trader) and E2 (Treaty Investor) were established to facilitate and enhance economic interaction between the United States and other countries. US immigration law explicitly states that "E-1 visa holders must enter solely to carry on substantial trade and E-2 holders solely to develop and direct the operations of an enterprise in which he or she has invested". Also read | Record number of India studeUS processes 1 million visas to Indians in 2023, ambassador Eric Garcetti says more to come These visas are only extended to countries who are part of the treaty countries of the US. They can be renewed or extended only if the investment or trade continues to meet all applicable requirements of US immigration laws and regulations. As many as 100 countries, including China (Taiwan), Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka have been granted treaty country status but India is yet to receive it. Notably, these visas are non-immigrant visas and thus 'temporary'. Any individual wishing to remain indefinitely in the US may need to apply for the other appropriate immigrant visa option. (With inputs from agencies)

US mulls 'treaty country' status for India as New Delhi seeks easier visa norms for traders

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