An Indian couple visiting their children in the US was denied entry at Newark Airport for not having return tickets. The couple, holding B-1/B-2 visitor visas, planned to stay for five months. However, under new 2025 regulations, immigration officials said a return ticket is now mandatory for entry. Despite explaining their situation, the parents were sent back to India. The sudden enforcement of this rule has raised concerns among travellers. Many are now advised to ensure all documentation, including return tickets, is in order before travelling to the US.

The US Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, convicted in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The decision dismissed his final legal plea against extradition. Indian prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam called it a "big win for India." Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is linked to David Coleman Headley, a key planner of the attacks that killed 166 people. Rana is currently held in Los Angeles. India seeks his extradition for forgery and conspiracy charges tied to the attacks. Victims have expressed hope for justice and harsh punishment for the convict.

The US Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin, to India. Rana, 63, is accused of aiding David Coleman Headley in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed 166 people, including six Americans. He allegedly facilitated Headley and Lashkar-e-Taiba's activities, leading to coordinated attacks on Mumbai. Arrested by the FBI in 2009, Rana is currently held in Los Angeles. Despite contesting extradition citing double jeopardy concerns, his appeal was dismissed. Indian authorities seek to prosecute him for his involvement in the attacks, marking a significant step in delivering justice for the victims.

In a major development, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Tahawwur Rana's final petition against extradition to India. The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict now faces imminent transfer. Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam hailed the decision as a "big win for India." Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, was convicted for aiding David Coleman Headley, the attacks' main conspirator. The U.S. government argued India's charges, including forgery, were distinct from U.S. prosecution. Rana is currently detained in Los Angeles. The Mumbai attacks in 2008 killed 166 people, including 6 Americans, leaving an indelible mark on global counterterrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10-11, 2025, upon the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit will bring together global leaders, including representatives from the US, China, and Gulf nations, to discuss AI development, regulation, and combating disinformation. Macron emphasized the critical role of countries like India in shaping AI's future. A dedicated leaders' session and a formal dinner for dignitaries are planned. The summit aims to foster international dialogue on AI governance and innovation.

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.