Applying for a long term Indian tourist visa in Paris as a U.S. citizen

pontianak

Hi all.

Has any U.S. citizen obtained the 5 year multiple entry tourist visa from the Indian embassy in Paris. It states on their site that the maximum duration of stay is not to exceed 90 days. U.S. citizens are elligible for 5 - 10 year multiple tourist visas with a maximum visit duration of 180 days. I've asked VFS and called the consulate but nobody could give me an answer of what will be the duration if I apply on a U.S. passport in Paris, 90 or 180 days.
This is important to me as I would like to be able to stay more than 90 days. A six month tourist visa is an option but I would like to visit a friend in another country for some time before India, so the convenience of entering India at my discretion on a 5 year visa when I want would be a great plus.
So what maximum time duration per visit was given to you on your U.S. Passport, 90 or 180 days ?

Regards.