The Indian government has advised its citizens studying in the United States to strictly adhere to American laws following recent incidents involving a researcher’s arrest and a student’s self-deportation to Canada. Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, has been accused by U.S. authorities of disseminating “Hamas propaganda,” while Ranjini Srinivasan, a Columbia University student, had her visa revoked after participating in pro-Palestine protests. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that neither individual sought assistance from the Indian embassies in the U.S., underscoring the need for students to engage with local diplomatic channels when facing legal issues abroad.
The move comes amid a broader U.S. crackdown on pro-Palestine activism on campuses, with high-level officials warning that such actions could result in severe consequences, including deportation and the loss of university funding. President Donald Trump has publicly labeled some of these individuals as “terrorist sympathizers,” heightening the sense of urgency for Indian students to comply with local regulations. While Mr. Suri is facing potential deportation—a move temporarily blocked by a court—Ms. Srinivasan chose to leave the country on her own accord using the Customs and Border Protection Home app to self-deport to Canada.
In a statement, Mr. Jaiswal emphasized that visa and immigration matters fall under the sovereign rights of the host country, and he urged Indian nationals to be fully aware of and compliant with these rules. “When Indian citizens study abroad, they must respect and abide by the laws of the country they are in. Our embassies and consulates are always available to assist, but it is important for students to proactively seek help if needed,” he said.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening educational ties with American institutions and safeguarding the welfare of Indian students overseas. However, the recent incidents serve as a stark reminder that ignoring local legal requirements can have serious repercussions. As the situation unfolds, officials have reiterated that the Indian government will continue to support its students, but they must also take personal responsibility for understanding and following the laws of their host nations.
