NEW DELHI – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on July 17 that 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States. This figure covers the period since January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump began his second term as US President.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing that most of these individuals returned to India via commercial flights. This number indicates a notable development for Indian citizens living or traveling in the US.The MEA also addressed legal issues faced by Indians abroad. Jaiswal reiterated the ministry’s consistent advice: “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.” This followed queries about the arrest of an Indian national in Washington on child pornography charges and another for alleged shoplifting.
Concurrently, US President Donald Trump recently hinted at a new trade deal with India nearing completion. Speaking to reporters on July 16 during a bilateral meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Trump suggested August 1 would be a significant date for trade agreements. He anticipates substantial revenue for the US from these deals.Trump emphasized his administration’s goal of gaining greater access to foreign markets for American businesses. “We’re very close to a deal with India where they open it up,” he stated. He drew comparisons to a recent US-Indonesia trade pact, asserting that his tariff strategies are crucial for the US to gain access to markets it previously lacked. The proposed agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and enhance bilateral trade relations between the two nations.On the Indian side, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the ongoing trade discussions. He maintained it is “a matter which is under discussion between the two sides. We will share when something is finalized.” (with ANI inputs)