1563 Indians deported from US since Jan 20 this year: Foreign Ministry

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed that approximately 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 20, 2025, marking the commencement of Donald Trump's second term as US President. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing that most of these deportations occurred via commercial flights.

Jaiswal also addressed other consular matters, including the arrest of an Indian national in Washington on child pornography charges and an Indian tourist for alleged shoplifting. He reiterated the Ministry's consistent advisory to Indian nationals traveling abroad to "abide by local laws, guidelines and regulations" and "create a good image of the country." These remarks underscore India's emphasis on legal compliance by its citizens residing or visiting foreign nations.

Meanwhile, discussions on a potential India-US trade deal are actively progressing. Responding to queries on the matter, Jaiswal noted, "This is a matter which is under discussion between the two sides. We will share when something is finalised." His comments followed hints from US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, who suggested that the US is "very close" to finalizing a trade agreement with India, which he expects will grant American businesses greater access to the Indian market. Trump highlighted August 1 as a significant date for trade deals, anticipating substantial revenue for the US.