Workload crunch pushes US visa interview waits in India to 346 days
India warns nationals against joining Russian armed forces after 51 deaths
India introduces online transfer facility for e-Visas tied to cancelled or lost passports
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India and Nepal security forces agree four-point plan to tighten open border
The SSB (India) and APF (Nepal) have approved a four-point action plan to bolster security along their open border, focusing on joint patrols, intelligence sharing and anti-trafficking operations. Businesses should expect tighter—but more predictable—checks on cross-border workers and cargo.
US Visa Interview Wait in India Hits 346 Days as GAO Flags Staffing Crunch
A GAO audit released on 29 September finds that Indian applicants now wait an average of 346 days for a US non-immigrant-visa interview—the longest delay among major processing countries—because only 68 officers handled 1.46 million cases in FY 2025. The shortage is disrupting corporate travel and project timelines, forcing Indian companies to plan US visits a year ahead or shift meetings offshore. The GAO recommends a systemic staffing overhaul; until then, firms must factor visa uncertainty into their mobility strategies.
Changing visa rules make travel agents indispensable for Indian outbound travellers
A 29 September ET Hospitality World interview warns that fast-changing global visa rules—from US interview backlogs to Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card—are making professional travel advisers essential for Indian travellers. Experts say advisers now add greatest value by sequencing bookings around realistic visa timelines and tailoring documentation to avoid costly refusals.
Delhi-Ulaanbaatar Direct Takes Off: Hunnu Air Gives India First Non-Stop Link to Mongolia
Hunnu Air inaugurated a weekly Ulaanbaatar–Delhi service on 29 September, giving India its first direct air connection to Mongolia and cutting journey times to five hours. The flight is expected to boost medical tourism, Buddhist pilgrimage, corporate incentives and bilateral trade, while simplifying visa compliance for travellers from both countries.
Customs seize 10 military-grade drones smuggled through Delhi airport
Delhi customs officers on 29 September seized ten defence-grade drones—with thermal imaging and laser range-finders—carried in passenger baggage from Hong Kong, highlighting India’s tough import rules on dual-use technology. Mobility and project teams are advised to obtain DGCA clearances and use freight channels to avoid costly seizures and delays.
Atal Tunnel declared temporary ‘no-drone zone’ ahead of Presidential visit
Ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s 7 October visit, Himachal Pradesh has declared the Atal Tunnel’s north portal a ‘no-drone zone’ and suspended tourism activities from 5–7 October. Operators must adjust itineraries and logistics plans, illustrating how VVIP security can abruptly restrict airspace and travel corridors.