US govt shutdown: Consular services to continue at embassy in India

The US government officially shut down on Saturday for the first time in five years after the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running.

The consular services of the US Embassy in New Delhi will continue during the lapse in Congressional appropriations, the mission’s spokesperson said on Sunday.

Consular services of the US Embassy in New Delhi will continue despite the shutdown. (REUTERS)

The spokesperson’s statement came against the backdrop of the US government officially shutting down on Saturday for the first time in five years after the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running.

“If you have a scheduled visa interview or American Citizen Services appointment, please arrive at the Embassy at your designated time,” the spokesperson said.

The shutdown began when a few Republicans joined the Democrats in blocking the crucial measure that would have provided short-term funding for the Pentagon and other federal agencies.