NEW DELHI: In a development that underscores rising concerns over immigration enforcement in the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed that 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 20, 2025—the day Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as President.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Since January 20 this year till yesterday, some 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States. Most of them returned via commercial flights.”
While the government refrained from commenting on individual cases, Jaiswal did respond to media queries regarding recent criminal incidents involving Indian nationals abroad. In Washington, an Indian national was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography, while another Indian tourist was reportedly held for shoplifting.
“These are matters of law and order. Our consistent message to Indian citizens traveling or living abroad is to strictly follow the local laws and regulations of the host country. They must uphold the reputation of India and be responsible global citizens,” Jaiswal emphasized.
The MEA also addressed questions about a potential India-US trade deal that has been the subject of high-level talks between the two nations. While no details were confirmed, Jaiswal stated, “This is a matter under discussion between the two sides. We will share information once something is finalized.”
His comments came shortly after President Trump, during a media interaction on Wednesday in the US, indicated that a trade agreement with India might be in the works. “We have another deal coming up, maybe with India… We’re in negotiations,” Trump told reporters while meeting Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Trump hinted at a broader agenda for August 1, saying it would be a significant day for trade deals, with billions of dollars in new revenue expected to come into the US. He claimed that previous restrictions had prevented American businesses from entering key foreign markets, including India, but that new tariff strategies had opened doors.
“We’re going to have access into India. And you have to understand, we had no access into any of these countries. Our people couldn’t go in. And now we’re getting access because of what we’re doing with the tariffs,” Trump asserted.
He also drew comparisons with a recent trade agreement between the US and Indonesia, which provided enhanced access for American firms to Indonesian markets.
Back in New Delhi, Indian government sources confirmed that a delegation is currently in the US to carry out the fifth round of talks on the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The negotiations are reportedly progressing in line with the strategic direction laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump.
“Our team is back in the US for the fifth round of negotiations. The agreement is being shaped according to the decisions taken by the two leaders and based on mutually agreed terms of reference,” officials said.
The proposed trade agreement is expected to focus on reducing tariffs, improving market access for goods and services, and boosting bilateral economic engagement. If finalized, it could mark a significant step forward in US-India economic relations, which have remained strong but often contentious over issues like intellectual property, data privacy, and digital trade.
As both countries look to deepen strategic and economic ties, observers are watching August 1 closely, when Trump is expected to announce key trade developments that could include the much-anticipated India-US deal.
