The US has started deporting Indian migrants as part of President Trump’s strict immigration policies. A military aircraft carrying migrants left for India, a US official told Reuters. The US is also deporting thousands from El Paso and San Diego to other countries. Trump’s administration says these actions send a clear message against illegal migration. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said the government is open to taking back Indian citizens living illegally abroad. Meanwhile, the US is also ending deportation protections for Venezuelans, putting over 348,000 people at risk of removal starting in April.

The US has started deporting Indian migrants who entered the country illegally. A military flight carrying deported Indians left the US on Monday, according to an official. This is part of Donald Trump’s plan to remove undocumented immigrants. The US has identified around 18,000 Indians for deportation. India’s Foreign Minister said the government is checking the identity of these migrants. The US has about 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants. Trump said Prime Minister Modi will cooperate in taking them back. The Pentagon is also deporting migrants to other countries, including Guatemala and Peru. More deportation flights are expected soon.

Indian-American business leader and musician Chandrika Tandon won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. Tandon, 71, received the honor for her album Triveni, a fusion of ancient Vedic chants with world music. The seven-track album, which she co-created with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto, aims to promote “inner healing.” Raised in Chennai, Tandon’s background in Vedic chants and Carnatic music influenced her artistic journey. She is also a philanthropist and the first Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey.

Two Indian students, Cherekuri Suresh Chowdary and Chithoori Bhargav, died in a car crash in County Carlow, Ireland, while two others sustained serious injuries. The black Audi A6 hit a tree near Graiguenaspiddoge. The students, recent graduates from South East Technological University (SETU), were part of the Indian community in Carlow. A fundraiser for funeral expenses raised €25,000 in 24 hours. The Indian Embassy in Dublin expressed condolences and is assisting the injured. Superintendent Anthony Farrell extended sympathies to the community. One injured student reportedly worked at pharmaceutical company MSD.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticised the AAP-led Delhi government, saying, “I feel ashamed to go abroad and say that people in Delhi don’t get houses, gas cylinders, or piped water.” While campaigning for the BJP ahead of the Delhi elections, he blamed the AAP government for the capital’s slow progress. “In the last 10 years, Delhi has been left behind,” he added. Jaishankar urged voters to choose wisely, saying Delhi should be a model for India and the world. The Delhi Assembly elections will take place on 5th February, with results announced on 8th February.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India's partnership with the US will remain strong despite President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Speaking to India Today TV, he assured that India is not worried about the tariffs. He highlighted the strong bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, saying their friendship will strengthen trade ties. Goyal also stated that ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make in America’ can work together. He expressed confidence that Modi’s upcoming US visit will improve relations further. He stressed that mutual benefit is key to India-US trade, ensuring a win-win situation for both nations.

Horrific dashcam and doorbell footage captured the moment a medevac jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood on January 31. The jet, carrying six people, including a pediatric patient and her mother, crashed shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The impact created a fireball, witnessed by residents Domingo Colon and Chris Andro. The jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed all passengers were Mexican nationals. Among the victims was a young girl who had received life-saving treatment in the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the Washington DC plane crash that left 67 people feared dead. An American Airlines jet with 64 passengers collided mid-air with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport, plunging into the Potomac River. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic collision. We stand in solidarity with the people of the United States,” Modi said, tagging US President Donald Trump. Investigators from the NTSB and FAA are probing the disaster, which occurred in one of the world’s most restricted airspaces near the White House and Capitol.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India needs to adopt "out of syllabus" foreign policies to deal with US President Donald Trump’s second term. During a session at Delhi's Hansraj College, Jaishankar expressed confidence that Trump would bring changes in global affairs. He acknowledged that some areas might see differences, but India’s foreign policy will remain focused on national interests. Jaishankar also shared his positive impressions of Trump's last visit to India and confirmed ongoing cooperation. PM Modi recently congratulated Trump on his second term and emphasized the strong India-US partnership.

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force led a daring 10-hour mission to rescue 17 crew members of a merchant ship near the Somali coast. In March 2024, he flew a C-17 aircraft in low-light conditions, airdropping 18 MARCO commandos and two raiding boats. The mission was part of Operation Sankalp against pirates. Despite the risks of detection and attack, Saxena flew low over foreign waters and ensured a precise drop. The operation successfully captured the pirates and freed the crew. For his bravery and professionalism, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal on Republic Day 2025.