India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on April 17 that its diplomatic missions in the United States are actively engaging with Indian students affected by recent revocations of F-1 visas, offering them support and guidance. This development comes as multiple Indian nationals studying in the U.S. have been informed by American authorities about concerns regarding their visa status.
“We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the U.S. government regarding their F-1 visa status, which happens to be the student visa. We are looking into the matter,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the ministry’s weekly press conference.
He further added, “Our Embassy and Consulates are in touch with the students to provide support.” This statement represents a notable evolution in the MEA’s stance. Until recently, the ministry primarily focused on advising Indian citizens abroad to adhere to local laws, rather than directly intervening in immigration matters. However, with growing concerns surrounding the nature of some of these visa revocations, Indian authorities have stepped in to play a more proactive role.
The statement marks a shift from the MEA’s earlier position that primarily advised Indian nationals to comply with local laws. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has led to dozens of Indian students receiving notices, with some reportedly linked to protest activity or minor infractions such as traffic violations.
Among those affected is Chinmay Deore, a final-year student at Wayne State University in Michigan. Deore, along with three other international students, has submitted a formal appeal to U.S. authorities, requesting that their F-1 visa status be reinstated. The students are receiving assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in pursuing legal recourse. Deore and his fellow students have maintained that none of them face any criminal charges, despite the visa cancellations.
Although the MEA has not specifically mentioned Deore’s case in its communications, it has indicated that legal support is being advised as the primary route for affected individuals. “Our Embassy and Consulates are in touch with the students to provide support,” reiterated Jaiswal, emphasizing the ministry’s growing role in helping students navigate the fallout.
In a related case earlier this week, a Wisconsin court issued a stay on the deportation order against Krish Isserdasani, an Indian student enrolled at the University of Madison-Wisconsin. The court ruling has provided temporary relief and may set a precedent for other students facing similar legal challenges.
At the same time, recent data released by U.S. authorities has highlighted a sharp decline in the number of student visas issued to Indian nationals. In February 2025, the number of F-1 visas granted at American diplomatic missions in India fell by nearly 30 percent compared to the same month the previous year. This decline raises concerns over the broader implications for educational and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
As these immigration challenges unfold, bilateral diplomatic engagement remains active. The MEA also addressed questions about the upcoming official visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to India. During this visit, Vance is expected to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian leaders.
“With the United States of America, we have a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously you will discuss all relevant issues,” Jaiswal told reporters. He noted that discussions during the visit are likely to cover a wide range of topics, including bilateral cooperation, regional matters, and Indo-Pacific security.
New Delhi is optimistic that the Vice President’s visit will contribute positively to strengthening the already close ties between India and the United States. Both countries have been working on multiple fronts, from defense and technology collaborations to strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific. Vance’s trip is expected to reinforce these initiatives and address emerging concerns such as student mobility, immigration policy, and cross-border education.
India has long viewed education as a cornerstone of its relationship with the United States. Each year, tens of thousands of Indian students pursue higher education in American universities, contributing to academic research, economic growth, and innovation. The recent visa issues, however, have cast a shadow over these traditionally robust exchanges. Indian authorities are therefore keen to resolve the situation promptly and diplomatically, hoping to maintain the positive trajectory of educational cooperation.
The MEA’s active involvement in the cases of affected students signals a broader policy approach where the Indian government is willing to step in when citizens abroad face difficulties, especially in contexts that involve perceived administrative overreach or legal ambiguity. The support extended to students is likely to be welcomed by the Indian diaspora and educational community, both of which have been expressing concern over the sudden visa actions.
While the final outcomes of the ongoing legal cases remain to be seen, Indian officials have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the interests of students abroad. With U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit on the horizon, there is an opportunity for both countries to address the visa concerns within the broader framework of their strategic partnership.
The MEA, meanwhile, continues to monitor the situation closely and remains engaged with U.S. authorities. “Our Embassy and Consulates are in touch with the students to provide support,” Jaiswal emphasized once again, underscoring that India will remain involved as the cases proceed.
At a time when global mobility and international education are facing unprecedented challenges, both governments may need to collaborate more closely to ensure that legitimate students are not caught in the crossfire of policy enforcement or political shifts. India is expected to raise these issues during the upcoming diplomatic engagements, seeking clarity and fairness in visa processes while reaffirming its commitment to international norms and mutual respect.
As Indian students await clarity and legal resolutions, the outcome of these efforts will likely influence not just current visa applicants but the broader landscape of U.S.-India educational ties for years to come.