A viral video by solo traveler Nida Merchant recounts her disturbing experience at the Cambodia-Vietnam border, where she was allegedly denied entry. Immigration officers reportedly mistreated her, citing racial reasons and offering unsafe alternatives for entry. Merchant revealed that Indian travelers are often barred from certain ports in Cambodia. Though some users speculated that her eVisa might not have been valid at that particular waterway port, the incident has sparked widespread concern about racial profiling and immigration practices. Travelers are urged to research entry requirements thoroughly before planning visits to Cambodia.

India criticised pro-Khalistani groups for disrupting the screenings of Emergency in the UK. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said freedom of speech should not be selective and called for action against the culprits. The film, starring Kangana Ranaut as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlights the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Some Sikh groups have protested, claiming it misrepresents their community. The movie faced bans in Punjab and disruptions in UK cinemas. Ranaut expressed disappointment over the protests and praised British MP Bob Blackman for supporting the film’s right to screen. The controversy continues to draw global attention.

India will take back its citizens living illegally in other countries if their nationality is confirmed, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He stated that illegal immigration is linked to organised crime, and India does not support it. Jaiswal said discussions on the number of people being sent back from the US are still early. He also clarified that illegal migration and trade are separate issues. On a related note, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit China on January 26-27 to discuss bilateral matters with Chinese officials. Updates on the meeting will be shared later, according to the MEA.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with key US leaders, marking the first diplomatic meetings under the new Trump administration. Jaishankar’s discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Walz focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional security. He also attended the first Quad ministerial meeting of the administration, highlighting the importance of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar, in Washington for Trump's inauguration, emphasized the growing partnership between the US and India. The meetings underline the new administration’s focus on deepening strategic relations with India.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar joined the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in Washington DC. The meeting happened a day after Donald Trump became the 47th US President. Jaishankar thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for hosting the talks. He discussed ways to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific with leaders from the US, Japan, and Australia. Jaishankar also met Rubio and US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for separate talks. He said the Quad will stay a "force for global good." Jaishankar represented India at Trump’s inauguration and delivered a letter from PM Narendra Modi to Trump.

India has agreed to repatriate 18,000 undocumented nationals from the US, aiming to strengthen ties and avoid a trade war with the Trump administration. The move aligns with India's efforts to promote legal migration and preserve key programs like H-1B visas. Cooperation comes amid President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration and pushes to end birthright citizenship. Indian authorities also hope to mitigate overseas secessionist activities, such as the Khalistan movement. However, concerns arise over reintegration challenges and economic disruptions. India continues signing migration agreements with nations like Japan and Saudi Arabia, ensuring labor mobility while addressing illegal migration issues.

With Donald Trump back as US President, undocumented immigrants, including 7,25,000 Indians, are worried about deportation. Trump announced tough policies to stop illegal immigration and promised faster deportations. The US deported over 1,500 Indians in 2024, and many fear more will follow. States like Florida, Texas, and New York have large numbers of undocumented immigrants. Trump's stricter border policies have also ended Biden’s app-based entry system. H-1B visa holders, mostly Indians, face uncertainty too. Many immigrants are seeking legal help and sanctuary as fears grow. Trump’s measures are part of his plan to tighten US borders and reduce illegal migration.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President. He sat in the front row alongside Ecuador’s President, while Japan and Australia’s ministers were seated in the third row. Jaishankar called it an honour to attend the event and carried a letter from Prime Minister Modi to President Trump. Modi congratulated Trump on his return and expressed hope for strong India-US ties. Jaishankar also attended a prayer service and met Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. His prominent seat signals India’s focus on strengthening its relationship with the new Trump administration.

Indian H-1B visa holders in the US are grappling with depression and anxiety due to prolonged uncertainties surrounding their immigration status. Many have shared experiences on social media, highlighting struggles with job security, inability to visit families, and the endless cycle of visa renewals. With 72% of H-1B visas held by Indians, the system leaves them vulnerable, as job losses require re-employment within 60 days. Experts warn of mounting mental health issues among these professionals, who fear further restrictions under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Long queues for Green Cards exacerbate their challenges, impacting both stability and quality of life.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, attended pre-inaugural events in Washington DC ahead of Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th U.S. President. At a private reception, the Ambanis congratulated Trump and emphasized their hope for deeper India-U.S. relations during his transformative second term. They also attended a “candlelight dinner” with Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, will feature high-profile attendees, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the government at the swearing-in ceremony.