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The Indian government has urged its students in the United States to adhere to American laws following the arrest of a researcher and the self-deportation of another student to Canada.
Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was accused by US authorities of spreading “Hamas propaganda,” while Columbia University doctoral student Ranjini Srinivasan had her visa revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), neither Suri nor Srinivasan sought assistance from Indian embassies in the US.
Their cases are among a growing number of academics facing repercussions under the US government’s crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations on university campuses. Former President Donald Trump, who has labeled such demonstrators as “terrorist sympathizers,” has vowed to cut university funding and deport affected students. These policies have unsettled international students, many of whom now fear losing their residency status.
While US authorities continue efforts to deport Suri—who claims his arrest was influenced by his wife’s Palestinian heritage—a court has temporarily blocked his removal. Meanwhile, Srinivasan chose to leave voluntarily after her visa was revoked. She used the Customs and Border Protection Home app to self-deport to Canada on March 11.
Addressing the situation, Jaiswal reaffirmed that visa and immigration decisions fall under a nation’s sovereign authority. “Just as we expect foreign nationals in India to follow our laws and regulations, we also expect Indian nationals abroad to comply with local laws,” he stated.
During a press briefing, Jaiswal assured students that Indian embassies and consulates in the US are available to assist those facing difficulties. However, he clarified that the MEA had no prior contact from Suri or Srinivasan regarding their cases. “We learned of Srinivasan’s departure from media reports and understand she is now in Canada,” he said.
India remains committed to strengthening its educational ties with the US, given the significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education there. “If any Indian student needs assistance, our consulates and embassies are ready to support them for their well-being and safety,” Jaiswal emphasized.
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