WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — More than 1,500 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since President Donald Trump began his second term on Jan. 20, 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Thursday. The deportations come amid heightened immigration enforcement and new U.S. immigration policies. Officials say most of those deported flew back to India on commercial flights.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a weekly briefing on July 17 that “some 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States so far.” He added that the deportations happened between Jan. 20 and July 16. Jaiswal noted that Indian authorities remain in touch with U.S. officials to ensure deportees are treated fairly. He urged Indian citizens to avoid unauthorized travel agents and follow local immigration laws.
According to MEA records, 636 deportations occurred by March 2025 alone. Of those, 240 people returned via commercial flights. The sharp increase follows new U.S. legislation passed this year. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress earlier this year, allocated $6 billion for tighter border security, biometric tracking, and expanded digital vetting of visa applicants. U.S. immigration authorities now screen applicants’ social media activity for F, M, and J visa categories, which are typically used by students and exchange visitors.
Indian students and tech workers are feeling the impact. Many have faced delays, revocations, or outright visa denials—even if their documents were approved previously. Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in India issued a warning against unauthorized immigration facilitators. This came after multiple reports of Indian nationals being detained at American airports or caught attempting irregular entry into the country.
In addition to deportation cases, Indian officials commented on other incidents involving Indian citizens in the U.S. Jaiswal responded to media queries about an Indian national arrested in Washington on charges related to child pornography. He called it a “matter of law and order” and emphasized that Indian nationals must follow the legal systems of the countries they visit.
The spokesperson also referred to the arrest of another Indian tourist in the U.S. for alleged shoplifting. He repeated the ministry’s guidance: “Our constant request to all our people who go abroad is that they should follow the law and order of that country and create a good image of the country.”
While deportations have drawn public attention, the two countries are also working on improving trade ties. Trump, speaking during a meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Wednesday, hinted that a new trade deal with India may be close.
“We have another one (deal) coming up, maybe with India… We’re in negotiation,” Trump said. “We’re very close to a deal with India where they open it up.”
He added that August 1 would be a key date for trade agreements, noting that similar deals with other nations have already brought in billions in revenue. Indian officials confirmed that talks are underway. “Our team is back in the U.S. for the fifth round of negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement,” officials told news agency ANI. “That agreement is progressing as per the decisions of our leaders.”
If finalized, the proposed trade deal could reduce tariffs and expand American access to Indian markets, while offering benefits to Indian exporters as well. The growing number of deportations and visa issues has raised concerns in India, especially among families with members studying or working in the United States.
The MEA says it is closely monitoring each case and working to ensure fair treatment of Indian nationals. Officials continue to urge citizens to avoid illegal immigration routes and rely only on verified sources for travel and visa assistance. As immigration policies tighten and trade negotiations continue, both nations remain engaged in shaping the future of their partnership on multiple fronts.
