No change in position on Narendra Modi's visa: United States

There is no change in the American position on visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, an Obama administration official has said.

"Obviously, the elections haven't taken place at this point, but our position hasn't changed on this, which is that Modi is welcome to apply for a visa, and obviously that would be considered through the normal process," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.

She was responding to questions on an interview given by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal in which she said that the US has welcomed every leader of this vibrant democracy and that a democratically- elected leader of India would be a welcome partner.

"We don't speculate on visas, of course, and our position hasn't changed on this case. And I think she was just reflecting the strength of our relationship with India," Psaki said.