The United States has deported around 1,080 Indian nationals since January 2025, as reported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). On May 29, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the ongoing close collaboration between India and the U.S. on migration matters, particularly concerning the repatriation of Indian citizens residing in the U.S. without valid immigration status. Jaiswal mentioned that approximately 62% of these individuals returned to India via commercial flights, while the rest were repatriated through alternative arrangements such as chartered flights or operations coordinated by the government. “We accept them back after verifying their details,” Jaiswal emphasized, underscoring the established protocol between the two countries. The MEA’s report on deportations arrives as India closely observes the changing U.S. visa policies, particularly those affecting Indian students and exchange visitors. Jaiswal reiterated the critical importance of the welfare of Indian students abroad. “While visa issuance is a sovereign matter, we hope Indian applicants will be evaluated on merit and permitted to join their academic programs on time,” he remarked. This statement follows reports of a new directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which directs American embassies consulates to temporarily suspend the scheduling of new student visa interviews.The directive, which refers to executive orders concerning counterterrorism and antisemitism, explicitly states that no additional appointment slots for F, M, and J visa categories (student and exchange visitor visas) should be made available until further notice. Although the details of the new vetting process remain ambiguous, this action indicates a more rigorous approach to visa approvals under the Trump administration.
