Travel n’ Diplomacy: A show by New India Abroad explores travel trends and beyond

The show will offer readers a unique blend of information about travel dynamics and emerging trends across the world with an impact on the Americas

Travel n’ Diplomacy’ our latest Interview series will not only explore travel trends but also aim to offer a glimpse of all the latest in the travel-related sectors through interviews that matter.

The show will offer readers a unique blend of information about travel dynamics and emerging trends across the world with an impact on the Americas and will feature heads of the different sectors associated with the travel industry including policymakers, diplomats, hoteliers, and travel and technology companies, providing insights and perspective on the evolving landscape of global travel.

In the first episode of ‘Travel n’ Diplomacy’, New India Abroad interviewed the Consular General of India New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and Amit Kumar Sharma, Head-Americas, VFS Global. VFS Global is the pioneer of outsourcing visa services and a trusted partner to client governments across the world.

While speaking to New India Abroad, Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, spoke on a wide range of issues, including ease of availing of the consular services and fostering a connection with the Indian diaspora in the United States. He also stressed the important issue of safety and security of the Indian students studying in the United States. The beginning of the year 2024 has witnessed a spate of incidents involving attacks and deaths of Indian students in the US.

The consul general also laid down the four important priorities of the Indian government to enhance the quality of the services and better connect with the diaspora community. “Availability to every Indian citizen to take care of their requirements, better connect with the Indian students, increase the number of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards and improving the ease of availing services are the important priorities,” said the consul general Binaya Srikanta Pradhan.

The Consul General of India, New York, also highlighted the efforts taken by the Government of India (GOI) through the consulates and the embassy for the betterment of the widely spread diaspora community in the United States.

Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of Americas for VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for government and diplomatic missions, explained the steps undertaken by VFG Global to better serve and engage with the diaspora community in the United States.

While speaking about the consular camps, which are most popular among the diaspora community, Amit Kumar Sharma, Head-Americas, VFS Global said, “Consular camps are a resounding success. And it is one of the critical methods for us to engage with the Indian diaspora. These camps are well-planned and coordinated in advance with the respective consulates. They are usually done over the weekends. So, people don’t have to take a day off.“

Amit Kumar Sharma specifically highlighted the importance of data and information security and the measures taken by VFS Global to adhere to international norms.