US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to end birthright citizenship upon taking office on January 20, arguing it encourages illegal immigration and "birth tourism." Indian immigrants in the US would face increased challenges under this policy, with broader anti-immigration measures, such as restrictions on student and H1-B visas. Legal experts warn that ending birthright citizenship would face significant constitutional challenges, but could create a more unpredictable immigration system. Advocates argue that it is essential for immigrant integration and that repealing it would worsen illegal immigration and create a permanent underclass of non-citizens.

Thailand will launch its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Indian travellers on January 1, 2025, streamlining visa processes. The 60-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders for tourism and short business purposes remains effective until further notice. Non-Thai nationals must apply via thaievisa.go.th, with applications processed in 14 working days. Offline payment methods are available, though fees are non-refundable. The ETA enables single-entry stays of up to 60 days, extendable by 30 days. Travellers can also access automated immigration gates for quicker processing using ETA QR codes, enhancing convenience and security.

Bangladesh's interim government head, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, urged European nations to relocate visa centers for Bangladeshi nationals from New Delhi to Dhaka or nearby countries. Yunus cited India's visa restrictions as causing uncertainties for Bangladeshi students and travelers. He highlighted Bulgaria's decision to move its visa center for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam as a precedent. This appeal, made during a meeting with over 19 diplomats in Dhaka, comes amid escalating India-Bangladesh diplomatic tensions. Meanwhile, in Delhi, protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission over alleged targeting of minorities prompted heightened security, traffic disruptions, and rerouted vehicles.

India evacuated 75 nationals from Syria, including 44 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir, after rebels ousted President Bashar al-Assad, ending his 14-year rule. Coordinated by Indian embassies in Damascus and Beirut, the evacuees crossed into Lebanon and will return via commercial flights. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indians abroad and urged remaining citizens in Syria to contact the embassy. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s capture of Damascus marked the end of Assad's regime, with reports suggesting his asylum in Moscow. India continues to monitor the Syrian situation closely.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has suspended Indian-origin PhD scholar Prahlad Iyengar until January 2026 for his pro-Palestine essay in Written Revolution. The essay allegedly contained language interpreted as inciting violence and included imagery linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a US-designated terrorist organization. MIT also terminated Iyengar’s scholarship and banned the magazine. Iyengar, backed by the MIT Coalition Against Apartheid, called the suspension an attack on academic freedom. Protests have erupted, with demands to reverse the decision. Iyengar is appealing the suspension, arguing the charges are unjust and threaten free speech on campuses.

India is in advanced talks with Russia to acquire the Voronezh radar system, a long-range early warning radar capable of tracking missiles, jets, and stealth aircraft. The deal, worth $4 billion, aims to boost India's air defence and surveillance capabilities. The radar can detect threats up to 8,000 km away, covering China, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 60% of the system may be manufactured locally. The radar is expected to be deployed in Karnataka's Chitradurga district. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing this and other military projects with Russian officials during his visit.

US President-elect Donald Trump mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as "Governor of Canada" after threatening 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Trump, during a dinner meeting at Mar-a-Lago, suggested Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming the "51st state" of the US. Trudeau, who flew from Ottawa for the November 30 meeting, warned such tariffs would devastate Canada's economy. Trump joked Canada could become two states, with Trudeau as a Governor. Talks covered immigration, trade, and fentanyl issues. Both leaders called the meeting "productive," though Trudeau avoided addressing Trump's remarks publicly.

Hindu-American Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump to be the Director of National Intelligence, has sparked mixed reactions. Gabbard, 43, met with key Senators on Capitol Hill to support Trump’s stance on Syria. Critics have raised concerns over her 2017 visit to Syria, where she met President Bashar al-Assad. Gabbard, a former Hawaii Congresswoman and US Army veteran, would become the first Hindu American to lead the US intelligence community. While some Senators praised her leadership, others are skeptical of her foreign policy views. Gabbard, a former Democrat, left the party in 2022.

Bangladesh has asked India to inform former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stop making political speeches from Indian soil. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin raised the issue during talks with his Indian counterpart Vikram Misri. He stated that the government does not like her recent comments and has requested India’s attention on this matter. Hasina accused the interim government of targeting minorities and called it a "fascist regime." Dhaka is also considering her extradition. Both sides discussed minority rights, border killings, and misinformation campaigns. India assured that Hasina’s stay would not affect bilateral relations.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka to address attacks on religious institutions and Hindu minorities. Misri expressed concerns over rising violence and urged better protection for vulnerable communities. The discussions also focused on strengthening ties, which have been strained since Sheikh Hasina's ouster and Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus assuming leadership. Incidents of mob violence and prosecution of Hindu priests have worsened tensions. Misri called the talks "frank and constructive," emphasizing India’s commitment to mutual cooperation. Bangladesh attributed recent violence to political retaliation, not religious discrimination.