Saturday, March 19 2005 17:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: US is assessing India's request for reconsideration of the decision to deny visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, American Embassy said in New Delhi today (March 19, 2005).

"The request of the Government of India for review of decision on denial of visa to Modi has been forwarded to the State Department. It is being assessed," Embassy spokesman David Kennedy, told sources in New Delhi.

He said the State Department will give a formal reply to the Indian Government after assessing the request but refused the estimate how much time it would take.

The US yesterday revoked Modi's tourist/business visa and denied him diplomatic visa apparently over the Gujarat riots. Modi was scheduled to make a five-day visit to US from Sunday.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran subsequently summoned Deputy Head of US Mission Robert Blake and sought "urgent reconsideration" of the decision.

He also conveyed India's "concern and regret" over the decision.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also took serious objection to Washington's decision, describing it as not "appropriate".