Monitoring crackdown against Indian students in US, says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it was monitoring the situation amid an escalating crackdown against Indian student visa holders by the US immigration authorities.

This comes four days ahead of US Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to India (April 21-24), during which several bilateral issues will be discussed.

The Donald Trump-led US government has deported hundreds of Indians since January 2025 — including those on F1 student visas — while others have been strongly urged to ‘self-deport’.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said, “We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US government regarding their F1 visa status — which happens to be the student visa. We are looking into the matter. Our embassy and consulate are in touch with the students to provide support.”

Answering a question about the details of Vance’s visit and his Indian-origin wife Usha Vance, Jaiswal said he will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.

“With the US, we have a comprehensive strategic global partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, you obviously will discuss all relevant issues. We are positive that the visit will further boost our bilateral ties,” Jaiswal added.

Notably, the two countries are also in the middle of discussing a bilateral trade agreement.