The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concerns to the U.S. government regarding the use of shackles on women deportees during repatriation flights. This issue came to light after 104 Indian immigrants were deported from the U.S., reportedly restrained with handcuffs and leg irons throughout the journey. The incident sparked significant political uproar in India, with opposition lawmakers protesting in Parliament and demanding government accountability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged that while U.S. protocols permit restraints during deportation, the treatment of deportees, especially women, was unacceptable. He assured that India is engaging with U.S. authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future. This development coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington, where immigration issues are expected to be a key discussion point.

In a recent interview, President Donald Trump praised the strong relationship between the United States and India but criticized India's high tariffs on American goods, labeling the country as "one of the highest tariffing nations in the world." He expressed optimism that India would reduce these tariffs but warned that, starting April 2, the U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs if no action is taken. This move aims to address trade imbalances and ensure fair treatment in international commerce. 

Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the Indian government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. The provision denies safe harbor protections to intermediaries that fail to remove content flagged by authorities. X argues this creates an “illegal parallel content-blocking process” and violates the Supreme Court’s 2015 Shreya Singhal ruling. It also seeks protection from joining the Sahyog portal, calling it a “censorship portal.” The court allowed X to challenge any government action, while the Centre denies taking punitive measures. The case raises concerns over digital rights in India.

US President Donald Trump reiterated his criticism of India’s trade policies, calling it "one of the highest tariffing nations in the world." In an interview with Breitbart News, he said he has a "very good relationship" with India but warned that the US would impose reciprocal tariffs from April 2. Trump previously labeled India the "tariff king" and accused it of unfair trade practices. Talks between both nations on reducing tariffs remain inconclusive. India has expressed interest in strengthening trade ties, with discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement ongoing. Trump also praised the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

More than 10,000 Indians are in foreign prisons, with 49 facing death sentences, the government told the Rajya Sabha. Saudi Arabia has the highest number of Indian prisoners (2,633), followed by the UAE (2,518) and Nepal (1,317). Other countries with Indian inmates include Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, and the US. Since 2020, 25 Indians have been executed in Kuwait. The government said Indian missions monitor these cases and provide legal aid. They also help prisoners with appeals and mercy petitions. Officials are working with foreign governments to secure their release and repatriation.

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, accusing it of misusing IT laws to censor content. The petition, filed in the Karnataka High Court, challenges the government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, arguing that it creates a "parallel content-blocking mechanism" outside the legal framework. “The government is imposing arbitrary censorship without due process,” X stated in its plea. The lawsuit also targets the Sahyog portal, calling it “a tool to pressure platforms into removing content without proper legal review.”

India may face big changes as US President Trump’s trade war continues. His government has called India a "tariff king" for its high import taxes. In response, India cut tariffs on some US goods. Experts say India must open its economy to grow. High tariffs make goods costly and reduce global trade. India is also negotiating free trade deals with the UK and the EU. Some fear foreign companies may dump cheap goods in India. Others say reforms could bring more jobs. If global trade shifts, India has a chance to benefit—if it acts fast.

A video has gone viral showing an Indian man celebrating his New Zealand citizenship by theatrically removing his 'India' T-shirt to reveal a 'New Zealand' jersey underneath. The act, performed during his citizenship ceremony, elicited cheers from onlookers and amused officials. Shared on Instagram, the video has amassed over two million views, igniting mixed reactions among viewers. Some users empathized with his joy, citing personal frustrations with systemic issues in India, while others criticized the gesture as disrespectful to his homeland. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about national identity and the immigrant experience.   

Pankaj Lamba, an Indian-origin man in the UK, has been charged with murdering his wife, Harshita Brella. Her body was found in a car boot in London last year. Lamba is also accused of rape, sexual assault, and coercive behaviour. He fled the UK and is now the subject of an international manhunt. His parents were arrested in India on dowry death charges. Police believe he may be hiding in Haryana. Harshita’s family seeks justice, while UK police continue their investigation. The Delhi High Court has requested a status report on the case next week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6 after attending the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This marks his fourth and longest visit to the island nation, highlighting growing diplomatic and economic ties. Modi is expected to inaugurate a solar power plant in Trincomalee, emphasizing India's commitment to renewable energy collaboration. His visit follows Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s trip to India in December 2024, reinforcing strong bilateral relations. The visit aims to boost trade, infrastructure, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.