US government shuts down: US Embassy in India gives important update: Scheduled passport and visa services will…

Amidst the ongoing US government shutdown, the US Embassy in India has clarified that the scheduled visa and passport services will continue for now, both in the United States and at American embassies and consulates overseas. In a post on microblogging platform X, the embassy writes: “At this time, scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits.” For those unaware, the US Embassy in India earlier this week shared that its X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume. In the latest post, the embassy reiterated it again, saying “We will not update this account until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information.” “For information on our services and operating status, visit http://travel.state.gov,” it added.The US government has shutdown for the first time in nearly seven years. The shutdown comes after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree a deal to keep the federal government funded.Every year, the Congress is required to approve spending bills by October 1, the start of the US fiscal year. This is mandatory to fund government departments and federal agencies. This year, no appropriations bills were passed before the deadline.The Republican lawmakers attempted to push through a temporary measure to keep the government open. The White House and Republican lawmakers pushed for what they called a “clean” continuing resolution (CR), which would maintain current funding levels until November 21. But, Democratic lawmakers resisted signing on to the Republican plans. They insisted that any agreement must include a permanent extension of health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.