Goa, July 17 -- The Indian government has responded to the United States' decision to tighten student visa regulations, saying visa and immigration policies are the sovereign right of every nation while assuring support for Indian students facing genuine difficulties.

Speaking during the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had noted reports about the changes announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He stressed that visa-related matters fall within the sovereign jurisdiction of individual countries.

"However, whenever issues concerning genuine travellers, students or others are brought to our attention, we take them up with the US authorities to minimis...