The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised Indian students in the United States to comply with American laws following two recent deportation-related incidents. The statement was made by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Jaiswal’s comments came in response to queries about the detention of Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, and the self-deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan, a student from Columbia University. He clarified that neither individual had contacted Indian missions in the US for assistance.

Details of the Cases:

1. Badar Khan Suri's Detention:

   • Suri was detained on Monday night by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for allegedly "actively spreading Hamas propaganda."

   • A US federal judge has temporarily blocked Suri’s deportation, but legal proceedings are ongoing.

2. Ranjani Srinivasan’s Self-Deportation:

   • Srinivasan, an Indian student at Columbia University, was forced to self-deport to Canada after her visa was revoked.

   • She was accused of allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism" and being involved in activities supporting Hamas.

MEA's Response and Guidelines:

Addressing concerns over these incidents, Jaiswal stated,
"When it comes to visa and immigration policy, it is something that lies within the sovereign functions of a country. We expect that when foreign nationals visit India, they abide by our laws, and similarly, Indian nationals abroad must comply with the local laws and regulations."

He reiterated that Indian embassies and consulates in the US remain available to assist students and Indian nationals facing difficulties. However, decisions on visas and immigration policies are at the sole discretion of the respective countries, and compliance with local laws is mandatory.

Assistance from Indian Missions:

Jaiswal emphasized that Indian missions are prepared to extend all necessary assistance but urged students to stay informed about immigration policies and seek help if needed. The ministry also highlighted that compliance with US laws is essential to avoid any legal or immigration-related challenges.

Broader Implications:

These cases have raised concerns about the legal awareness among Indian students in the US. The MEA’s advisory serves as a reminder for all Indian nationals studying abroad to be vigilant and adhere to local regulations to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Future Actions:

With increasing scrutiny on student visa holders and foreign nationals in the United States, the Indian government is likely to maintain a close watch on such developments and provide consistent guidance to students and professionals traveling abroad. The MEA also urged Indian nationals to seek assistance from embassies when faced with legal challenges.

As the situation unfolds, the Ministry of External Affairs will continue to monitor the developments concerning the detained and self-deported Indian nationals and provide updates as necessary.

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