Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, voluntarily departed the United States after her visa was revoked by the Department of State on March 5, 2025. The revocation cited her alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Srinivasan utilized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11. This action aligns with the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence and terrorism invalidates the privilege of residing and studying in the U.S. 

US Vice President JD Vance stated that green card holders do not have an absolute right to stay in the country, emphasizing national security concerns. His remarks, made on Fox News, reignited debate on permanent residency rights. Vance spoke in response to the arrest of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder detained for protesting Israel-Hamas war. Immigration lawyers argue green cards can only be revoked for serious crimes, fraud, or prolonged absence. “Deporting green card holders for lawful activities represents a dramatic change,” lawyer Russell Stamets warned. Khalil’s deportation remains blocked pending a court hearing.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian American University of Pittsburgh student, went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She was last seen on March 5 with Joshua Riibe, 24, who told authorities they were hit by a wave and pulled into the ocean. Riibe, a lifeguard, said he tried to save her but later lost sight of her, assuming she had "taken her things and left." Authorities believe she drowned but continue investigating beyond an "accidental event." Riibe is not a suspect and is cooperating. Konanki’s disappearance raises safety concerns for Indian Americans and tourists.

India has firmly dismissed Pakistan's allegations of Indian involvement in the recent Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies." He urged Pakistan to introspect rather than deflect blame for its internal issues. This response follows Pakistan's Foreign Office claims linking India to the attack, despite evidence pointing to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and connections to Afghanistan. The BLA had hijacked the Jaffar Express, resulting in casualties among passengers and security personnel, before Pakistani forces neutralized the insurgents.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed gratitude towards global leaders, notably U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their efforts in addressing the Ukraine crisis. In his first public reaction to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, Putin acknowledged these diplomatic endeavors during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. He emphasized that while Russia agrees in principle to the ceasefire, it should pave the way for lasting peace by addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. Putin highlighted the significance of international engagement, mentioning leaders like China's President and India's Prime Minister, who are dedicating considerable attention to resolving the crisis.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the issue of tariffs under Donald Trump's administration at the India Today Conclave 2025, an annual event that brings together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing international issues. Pompeo emphasized that Trump, who calls himself "Tariff Man," views tariffs as a crucial tool to balance trade deficits and push for fair trade practices. "He would say, 'Let's both get rid of our tariffs and be great commercial partners together,' but if not, he will impose tariffs on your products, goods, and even services," Pompeo stated. Pompeo served as Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021 and Director of the CIA (2017-2018). He dismissed concerns that Trump’s policies favor corporate interests, arguing that recent tariffs have caused major financial losses for billionaires. "If they’re trying to make money off this, it’s an epic fail," he said, referring to Elon Musk’s losses due to recent trade restrictions. He also noted that India's commerce minister is currently in the US for discussions with American trade officials, reinforcing the importance of ongoing negotiations. Beyond tariffs, Pompeo highlighted opportunities for US-India collaboration in technology and innovation. He stressed the need to reduce trade barriers in cutting-edge sectors and facilitate academic and business exchanges between the two countries. "The real place our two nations ought to be determined to succeed is in new innovative spaces where the West, India, Japan, South Korea, and Europe must compete with China," he stated. Pompeo expressed optimism that a second Trump presidency would continue strengthening economic ties between Washington and New Delhi. [ Video Courtesy : X/@IndiaToday ]

Lithuanian national Aleksej Besciokov, co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, was apprehended in Varkala, Kerala, by local police in coordination with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Besciokov is wanted in the United States for allegedly facilitating the laundering of billions of dollars through Garantex, which has been linked to transnational criminal organizations, including those involved in hacking, ransomware, terrorism, and drug trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice recently unsealed an indictment against Besciokov, charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering and other offenses, each carrying significant prison terms. The arrest was executed based on an Interpol Red Notice and a provisional arrest warrant issued by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in Delhi.

The US plans to impose tariffs on Indian medicines, which may increase drug prices for millions of Americans. India supplies nearly half of all medicines used in the US, including essential drugs for heart disease and mental health. Experts warn that tariffs could lead to shortages and make some medicines unaffordable. India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently visited the US to negotiate a trade deal. Indian drug companies say shifting production to the US is too costly. Both countries are under pressure to find a solution before tariffs take effect in April.

A British woman was raped at a hotel in Delhi’s Mahipalpur by a man she met on social media. She had come to India to meet him in person. After reaching her hotel, she invited him over. They had an argument when he acted inappropriately. He then forced himself on her. When she ran to the hotel reception for help, another man molested her in the lift. The police have arrested both men. The British High Commission has been informed. An investigation is ongoing.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India later this month, marking his second international trip since taking office. Accompanying him will be Second Lady Usha Vance, making her first official visit to her ancestral homeland. Usha's parents emigrated from India to the United States in the late 1970s. This visit follows Vance's recent trips to France and Germany, where he engaged in high-level discussions with European leaders. During his inaugural foreign visit, Vance delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference that drew considerable attention for critiquing European governments on issues such as illegal migration, religious freedoms, and election integrity. The upcoming visit to India is expected to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations, furthering mutual understanding and cooperation.