Press Releases 2006

Indians Largest Community of Foreign Scholars in U.S.
Students "Cement our Future-Oriented Relationship,"
says Ambassador Mulford

             November 13, 2006

NEW DELHI -- For the fifth consecutive year, India has been the leading country of origin for international students studying in the United States and first-time enrollments at U.S. graduate schools by Indian students are up over 30 percent, U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford said today.  Ambassador Mulford was announcing the findings of the Open Doors 2006 annual report on international student exchanges at an event honoring International Education Week.

The Ambassador said while Open Doors 2006 reported that the total number of Indian students had declined slightly this year, the result of more Indian students completing their degree requirements and returning home.  Overall students from India remain the largest community of foreign scholars in the United States and the number of first-time students increased sharply.  The number of American students coming to India for studies rose substantially this year, with India entering the top 20th list of destinations for Americans studying abroad for the first time.

Launching the U.S. Educational Foundation in India's celebrations to mark the November 13-17 International Education Week, the Ambassador said student visas were a top priority for the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Consulates in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.  "We ensure all legitimate students get visa appointments in time to report for their classes in the U.S.," he said.

The Ambassador stated that 32 percent more Indian students received visas in between October and September 2006 than in the same period in 2005, compared to a 10 percent increase between the same months in 2005 and 2004.

 "Indians and Americans see the value of academic exchanges to cement our future relationship," said Ambassador Mulford.  At the same time, he said U.S. students are receiving India-based training through internships at India's most reputed academic institutions and corporate entities.