India advises students in US to follow local laws amid pro-Palestine crackdown

Georgetown and Columbia cases spark India’s caution for students in US

The Indian government has urged its citizens studying in the United States to strictly comply with local laws, following the detention and visa revocation of two Indian nationals involved in pro-Palestine activism on American university campuses.

Two Indian students targeted in US crackdown

Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was arrested by US authorities on charges of spreading Hamas propaganda.

Ranjini Srinivasan, a doctoral student at Columbia University, had her visa revoked for allegedly advocating violence and supporting terrorism, linked to Hamas, a group banned by both the US and Israel.

While Mr. Suri continues to face deportation proceedings, a US court has temporarily halted his removal. He claims his arrest was influenced by his wife’s Palestinian heritage.

Meanwhile, Ms. Srinivasan chose to self-deport to Canada on March 11 using the US Customs and Border Protection Home app, after her visa was cancelled.

India responds: Follow local laws

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed that neither student contacted Indian embassies or consulates in the US for assistance.

“Visa and immigration matters fall under a country’s sovereign rights,” Mr. Jaiswal stated. “Just as we expect foreign nationals in India to follow our laws, Indian nationals abroad must also comply with the laws and regulations of the host country.”

He added that Indian consulates and embassies in the US are available to assist students in case of any legal or safety concerns.

Trump administration’s tough stance on campus protests

Former President Donald Trump has intensified his stance against pro-Palestine protests, labeling student demonstrators as “terrorist sympathizers” and threatening to cut university funding and deport involved students.

This has triggered widespread concern across American campuses, especially among foreign students worried about visa revocations and residency challenges.

Indian government reaffirms support for students

Mr. Jaiswal reiterated that the Indian government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students abroad, especially given the increasing number of Indian students enrolling in US institutions.

“If any Indian student is facing problems, our consulate or embassy is ready to support them,” he said.

The incident underlines the need for Indian nationals studying abroad to remain aware of political sensitivities, especially amid increasing global scrutiny of pro-Palestine activism.

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