China Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs: 15% On Coal, LNG; 10% On US Crude

After the US government announced a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese goods exported to America, China on Tuesday imposed additional tariffs on various US goods, including a 15 per cent tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10 per cent tariff on crude oil starting from February 10.

China’s Ministry of Finance further said that the tariffs will be enforced under Chinese laws and international trade principles.

In a statement, the ministry said, “On February 1, 2025, the US government announced that it would impose a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese goods exported to the US on the grounds of fentanyl and other issues. The US’s unilateral imposition of tariffs seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization. It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also undermines the normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.”

“In accordance with the Tariff Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China and other laws and regulations and the basic principles of international law, and with the approval of the State Council, additional tariffs will be imposed on some imported goods originating from the United States starting from February 10, 2025,” it added.

China further said that a 15 per cent tariff will be imposed on coal and liquefied natural gas. A 10 per cent tariff will be imposed on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement cars and pickup trucks.

“For the imported goods listed in the appendix originating from the United States, corresponding tariffs will be levied on the basis of the current applicable tariff rates. The current bonded and tax reduction and exemption policies remain unchanged, and the additional tariffs will not be reduced or exempted,” the Finance Ministry said.

China’s decision comes after US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs, including fentanyl.

Earlier on February 2, China’s Commerce and Finance ministries had denounced Trump’s decision to impose tariffs and said that the country would challenge the decision before the World Trade Organization and take unspecified “countermeasures”. The Ministry of Commerce said the tariff “seriously violates” international trade rules, urging the US to “engage in frank dialogue and strengthen cooperation”. (ANI)

Wrongly Blacked Out Factual Issues From Dissent Note: Owaisi Targets Waqf Chief

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday alleged that the Waqf JPC Chairman Jagdambika Pal “wrongly blacked out” several factual issues from his dissent note by misusing his powers.

Speaking to the media, Owaisi emphasised that Waqf properties are a form of worship for them, and the government is trying to deprive them.

“Our dissent note was very long, including several factual issues that the Chairman wrongly blacked out by misusing his powers. He also did not informed us. We then wrote a letter asking them to include these points,” Owaisi said.

He mentioned that in the JPC report, the ruling party’s amendments were passed based on the majority, while their amendments couldn’t pass because they didn’t have the numbers.

“The Waqf Board is meant for the properties that our ancestors donated in the name of Allah. Now, you are making non-Muslims members, and there will no longer be elections in the State Waqf Board; you will nominate members,” he said.

He claimed further that many of the amendments the government has passed in the JPC will lead to dissolution of the Waqf Board.

“On the issue of parity, when Hindus cannot have non-Hindus in endowment boards, why should non-Muslims be allowed in this? It is clear from all of this that the government wants to seize Waqf properties, which include mosques, dargahs, and graveyards,” Owaisi said.

Earlier on Monday, Opposition MPs Kalyan Banerjee (Lok Sabha) and Md. Nadimul Haque (Rajya Sabha) strongly protested the removal of key portions from their dissent notes submitted to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the MPs alleged that their objections were arbitrarily deleted without prior notice or explanation.

“To our dismay and utter surprise, we found that the following objectives and dissent notes have been deleted by the Chairman without informing us and without our consent,” the MPs wrote in their letter dated February 3, 2025. (ANI)

UNGA Prez Yang To Arrive In India Today

United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang is scheduled to arrive in India on Tuesday for a four-day visit on the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

During his visit, Jaishankar and Philemon Yang will discuss key multilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, as per a statement of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Yang will also call on President Droupadi Murmu.

The UNGA president will also travel to Bengaluru, where he is scheduled to visit Infosys and the Indian Institute of Science.

“Apart from New Delhi, Mr. Yang will be visiting Bengaluru. PGA is scheduled to visit Infosys and the Indian Institute of Science, where he would have the opportunity to interact with experts on India’s innovations in various fields such as sustainability, digital public infrastructures, etc.” the external affairs ministry said.

Philemon Yang assumed office as UNGA President on September 10. Under his Presidency, the United Nations adopted “A Pact for the Future”, a vision document for realising “multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow,” according to MEA press release. Previously, Yang served as Cameroon’s Prime Minister.

In September last year, Jaishankar met with UNGA President Philemon Yang. The external affairs minister affirmed India’s full support to Yang’s vision of unity in diversity, peace, human sustainability and dignity to everyone everywhere.

Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Pleased to meet new UNGA President Philemon Yang today in New York. Assured him of India’s full support to his vision of Unity in Diversity, Peace, Human Sustainability and Dignity for everyone everywhere.”

Yang also shared a post on his X handle and wrote about his meeting with Jaishankar and said that the two discussed key priorities and issues for the upcoming UNGA79.

“I had the pleasure to receive India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today. We discussed the priorities and key issues for UNGA79, and building on the outcomes of the Summit of the Future. I also appreciated India’s role in advancing the interests of the Global South,” Yang wrote on X. (ANI)

Utakal-Banga Lay Out Red Carpet For Investors

Any country, small or big and irrespective of its ideological disposition, will at all times be seeking foreign direct investment and technologies. At the same time, countries will want to trade among themselves on fair terms, low if not zero tariffs. At this point of globalization, Tesla and Apple, among other leading US companies, have manufacturing units in China. In their turn, more and more Chinese companies are seeking listing on US stock exchanges and raising funds through initial public offerings. But haven’t the US companies already put too many eggs in the Chinese basket, specially in the context of tensions building up fast on trade matters following Donald Trump’s accession to power?

The US pursuing China+1 policy for sometime is working to the advantage of countries such as India and Vietnam. While India has set for itself an ambitious export target of $2 trillion by 2030, compared with an expected over $800 billion in 2024-25, it must rapidly grow the production base to also meet rises in domestic requirements. The challenge for India and its 28 states is, therefore, to secure investments in both traditional (including mining) and new age industries. All the states think one way of doing it is to organise mega conferences of investors, domestic and foreign.

One state may call it business summit and another investor meet. But the commonalities in the publicity campaign preceding such conclaves – some states do it annually and some others like West Bengal have opted for once in two years – are striking. States big and small will not spare any efforts with money made available liberally by the concerned exchequers to tell the world in rosiest detail of the advantages of building industries and services centres there. At the end of two or three-day jamborees, state governments are found to be going wild in announcing the number of memoranda of understanding and investment intent received. But as is the experience so far, for most states, only a portion of the investment promised hits the ground and as a consequence, a good number of announced projects remain good on paper.

Winter is the season when states, big and small, will routinely lay out red carpet for investors from within and outside the country. Securing investments to promote growth and create employment remain the principal objectives of the exercise. But over the years, chief ministers have unabashedly used the occasion to promote themselves as heralders of growth. A few weeks ahead of investor meet, in the process of reeling out all the positives of a state such as readiness of infrastructure (power generation capacity, land availability, institutions to promote health and education, etcetera) and good governance, in full page newspaper advertisements, we will invariably see photos of a beaming chief minister. In case, a state is run by BJP led government, then the prime minister will have a bigger profile than the chief minister as regulation. In promoting ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Sunrise of Investment Excellence’ through the recently held investor conclave in Bhubaneswar and as West Bengal is to put up an identical show under the title ‘Bengal Means Business and Innovation’ on February 5 and 6 in Kolkata, photos of Narendra Modi and Mohan Charan Majhi for Odisha and Mamata Banerjee appeared compulsorily in all advertisements.

Indian states remain in competition to get investments, public and private that includes foreign direct investment. The contest to win favour of potential investors is becoming fiercer all the time. International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast India will be growing at 6.5 percent both in 2025 and 2026. In the corresponding period, global growth is projected at 3.3 per cent, with an upward revision in the US offsetting downward revisions elsewhere. Whatever that is, the whole world is keeping its fingers crossed over how the US economic policy, particularly relating to trade and tariff will unfold under President Donald Trump’s second term. The US has started putting pressure on New Delhi for what is described as more equitable trade relations.

Companies in India and elsewhere facing generally tepid demand have turned circumspect in making new large investment commitments. In the circumstances, high hopes of new big private investments, domestic and foreign materializing as entertained by state governments, including West Bengal will turn out to be indulgence in a daydream. The other day a senior executive of a leading and pioneering steel group said he would be watchful about resulting debt burden before giving go ahead to big capacity expansion. In fact, this happens to be the secular trend in industry.  

West Bengal, perhaps more than any other major state, needs significant investment in industry and information technology sector, including artificial intelligence for job creation, raise the share of manufacturing and mining in state domestic product and generate future revenue sources for the exchequer. Though 13 largest state by area, West Bengal is the fourth largest populous state with a headcount of around 100 million. Urbanisation rate in West Bengal being more than the national average, the state administration remains under growing pressure to create economic opportunities for the ones coming out of colleges and universities.

In one full page advertisement promoting the investor conference, the Mamata Banerjee government has given a long list of new schools, colleges and universities that got created under the current dispensation. But what is frustrating for students with degrees is their not being able to find jobs. Those not tied down by family obligations are migrating to other states, including the neighbouring Odisha, which during the long Navin Patnaik rule emerged as an important hub for education, health and IT.

At the last ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ conclave, the state received MOUs and investment intents worth Rs16.73 lakh crore. While all the major steel groups from Tata Steel to JSPL to ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel to SAIL to Jindal Stainless are raising their production profile in Odisha to make use of its large iron ore, manganese ore and chromite resources. Similarly, all the three country’s producers of alumina and alumina – Vedanta Aluminium, Hindalco and Nalco – continue to invest heavily in Odisha to expand their bauxite mining, alumina refining and metal smelting capacities.

ALSO READ: Betting Big On Odisha

The presence of all-season deep draft sea ports, including Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur and the state government’s identification of another 14 potential sites for building new ports are among the reasons for investors fancying Odisha. While the state backed by New Delhi is going all out to build industries using locally found minerals, including coal, the present Majhi government is to take forward Patnaik regime’s wise decision to diversify the state’s industrial base by focusing on sectors such as textiles and auto ancillaries. No wonder the recent investor meeting was marked by announcement of “593 new projects across 20 diversified sectors.”

Even while West Bengal doesn’t have any iron ore under its earth, the state has besides two large integrated steel mills at Durgapur and Burnpur in the public sector, quite a few electric arc furnaces, foundries and DRI (direct reduced iron) plants. But now as all iron ore and bauxite bearing states are insistent on local processing of minerals, West Bengal has little hope of getting another integrated steel mill. Some years ago, JSW group wanted to build a very large steel mill at Salboni using iron ore mined in Odisha. As sub nationalism is increasingly gaining ground, Odisha didn’t oblige JSW to import iron ore for making steel in West Bengal. Instead JSW is now engaged in building steel capacity in Odisha.

West Bengal is also a sad story of missed opportunities. Tata Motors had to beat a retreat from Singur when it was almost ready to make cars. Along with it left many ancillary producers, including Lord Swaraj Paul owned Caparo. In the past Chief minister Banerjee interceded with BMW of Germany and Zara of Spain to build factories in Bengal but with no success. The last few Bengal Global Summits didn’t yield anything substantial in terms of actual investment. Hopefully, Bengal will fare better this time.

Bhutan King, Yogi Offer Prayers At Triveni Sangam

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Tuesday. Bhutan King accompanied by Yogi Adityanath arrived in Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Earlier in the day, UP CM Yogi Adityanath welcomed Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at Lucknow Airport and presented him a bouquet of flowers. The two dignitaries then boarded the plane for travelling to Prayagraj.

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck had arrived in Lucknow on Monday. CM Yogi extended a warm welcome to him. He was greeted with traditional music and dance.

In a post on X, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Hearty welcome and greetings to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan in Uttar Pradesh, the sacred land of valour, culture and cultural harmony!”

The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The event has already attracted millions of devotees from across the country and around the world and is expected to set new records for attendance and participation.

Prominent personalities from various fields have also taken the holy dip at the Sangam, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his Cabinet; producer Vinod Bhanushali and lead singer of British band Coldplay, Christ Martin, along with his girlfriend and actress Dakota Johnson, took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

A sea of devotees took holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on the occasion of Basant Panchami, peacefully concluding the third ‘Amrit Snan’ of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Tight security measures were in place, ensuring a safe and orderly experience for all.

The Uttar Pradesh government showered flower petals on saints and seers who gathered for the ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion of Basant Panchami. As per officials, more than 12.5 million devotees took a holy dip on the third and last Shahi Snan of Maha Kumbh as of noon on Monday.

According to an official statement, to ensure a smooth and secure bathing experience for devotees, saints, mahatmas, and Kalpvasis, an extensive police and security arrangement was put in place across the Mahakumbh fair area. To manage the massive influx of visitors, 36 designated parking zones were set up, ensuring devotees had minimal walking distances to reach the bathing ghats. (ANI)

Delhi Police file case against Ramesh Bidhuri’s son for MCC violation

Delhi Police has responded to AAP candidate from Kalkaji Atishi’s allegations that Ramesh Bidhuri’s son, Manish Bidhuri, interfered in the constituency during the ‘silence period’.

The official handle of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South East Delhi posted on X and informed that a case has been registered against Manish Bidhuri for violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

“In this matter, taking cognizance of the complaint against Manish Bidhuri & Ravi Dayama for violation of MCC, legal case under section 126 RP Act has been registered against them in PS Govindpuri,” it said.

Responding to another allegation by the Delhi Chief Minister where she said, “Three more members of Ramesh Bidhuri ji’s family – who live in Tughlakabad village – were found roaming in the Kalkaji assembly constituency at 1 am.”

The Delhi Police said, “With regard to above tweet, vehicle got checked in the presence of Exe-Magistrate I/C FST of AC-51 but no violations were found. Proper verification was carried out,” the DCP South East Delhi said.

Further, it mentioned that the AAP candidate (Atishi) with 50-70 people and 10 vehicles were found violating the MCC.

“On February 4 at 12:30 am, AAP candidate from Kalkaji (AC-51) with 50-70 people & 10 vehicles was found at Fateh Singh Marg. Police instructed them to vacate due to Model Code of Conduct (MCC). On complaint by FST, a case under section 223 BNS & 126 RP Act is registered at Police Station Govindpuri,” the DCP said.

The DCP South East Delhi in another post on X said that AAP members Ashmit and Sagar Mehta obstructed and assaulted a Head Constable.

“On 04/02/25, at 00:59 hrs, a gathering was reported at Baba Fateh Singh Marg, Govindpuri. HC Kaushal Pal responded & began videography. AAP members Ashmit & Sagar Mehta obstructed & assaulted him,” it said.

“FIR No. 106/25 is registered under section 221/132/121(1)/3(5) BNS at 0S Govindpuri for causing obstruction in discharge of public duty & assault while on duty. Further investigation is in progress,” the DCP added.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi claimed that Manish was spotted with 3-4 outsiders in the area, despite the ban on external interference during this period.

Speaking to ANI, Atishi said, “Today, the election campaigns have ended. During the silence period after 6 pm, no one from outside is allowed in the Assembly constituency. We received information that someone from Ramesh Bidhuri’s Tughalaqabad team is threatening the people in JJ camp, Girinagar area.”

“We saw that Ramesh Bidhuri’s son, Manish Bidhuri was sitting here with 3-4 other outsiders. I informed the administration about this. The police have taken him, I hope action will be taken and no one other than the residents of Kalkaji Assembly will be allowed here,” said Atishi.

Notably, 48 hours before elections, is known as the silence period or pre-election silence. This is when all campaign-related or election-related activity is supposed to be halted, and no one, including persons like citizens, journalists, politicians, etc. are allowed to partake in any such activity.

The Kalkaji assembly constituency is set to be one of the most closely watched in Delhi. Atishi is up against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and Congress party’s Alka Lamba from the constituency.

The voting for assembly elections in Delhi will be held on Wednesday and results will announced on Saturday. (ANI)

‘Maine Kaha, Jaa Beta, Baap Ka Naam Roshan Kar’: SRK On Aryan’s Directorial Debut

Shah Rukh Khan attended the ‘Next On Netflix’ event on Monday to unveil his son Aryan Khan’s debut directorial project, The BA*DS of Bollywood.

During the event, the Bollywood superstar humorously shared that he had passed on his sense of humour and knack for creating funny content to Aryan, saying, “Maine kaha jaa beta, baap ka naam roshan kar” (I told him, go make your father proud).

Shah Rukh Khan unveiled Aryan’s debut series ‘The BA***DS of Bollywood’ at the ‘Next On Netflix’ event. During the speech, the ‘Jawan’ actor shared that he had watched a few episodes of the series and said that he loved the content.

“I just want to thank all the colleagues I have who participated in the series. They have done so well. I watched a few episodes of the series. It’s extremely funny. I love funny things. Mere jokes pe log bura maan jaate hah, takleef ho jaati hah. Maine jokes karna chod diya. Maine ye virasat apne better ko de diya. Maine kaha jaa beta, baap ka naam raushan kar. ( People often take offence to my jokes so I have stopped joking. I have passed this ‘Virasat’ to my son Aryan and told him ‘go make your father proud’)” said Shah Rukh Khan.

While unveiling the project, SRK said he was happy to see such a large press gathering in a long time. He also prayed that his children who are taking their first steps in showbiz receive at least 50 per cent of the love which he has been blessed by the audience over the years.

“It is my prayer that even if they get 50 per cent of the love that I have received, then it will be a lot from them,” said Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan sported an all-black outfit for the event which included a black shirt and pants. He paired his outfit with sunglasses. In the visuals, the ‘Jawan’ actor looked dashing as he greeted his fans and press at the event.

The official Instagram handle of Spice Social shared the stunning visuals of Shah Rukh Khan at the event.

Shah Rukh Khan attended the event with his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan and son Aryan Khan.

An official synopsis of ‘The BA***DS of Bollywood’ series read, “An ambitious outsider and his friends navigate the larger-than-life yet uncertain world of Bollywood. The series blends self-aware humour with a high-stakes narrative — and promises a host of unforgettable cameos, blockbuster thrills and an adventurous ride into the world of Indian cinema.”

‘The BA***DS of Bollywood’ is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and written by Aryan Khan, Bilal Siddiqi, and Manav Chauhan. (ANI)

PM Modi To Visit White House Next Week On Donald Trump’s Invitation: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the White House next week at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported

The invitation comes days after a recent phone call between the two leaders on January 27, where both the leaders emphasised their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership.

During the call on January 27, Trump spoke about immigration and stressed the importance of India buying more American-made security equipment and fair bilateral trading ties.

“The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation. They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.” the White House statement following the call read.

“The President emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship,” it added.

The leaders also discussed plans for PM Modi’s visit to the White House, and Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year.

“The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to advance the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year,” the statement read.

Notably, the two countries have a significant trade relationship, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 118 billion in 2023-24 with India posting a trade surplus of USD 32 billion, as per Reuters.

India, a strategic partner of the United States in its efforts to counter China, is keen to enhance trade relations with the US and make it easier for its citizens to get skilled worker visas.

PM Modi was one of the first leaders to congratulate Trump on his re-election. He also held a telephone conversation with him on November 6, congratulating him on his re-election as the President of the United States of America as well as the Republican Party’s success in the Congressional elections.

PM Modi and Donald Trump share warm and friendly ties. The bonhomie between the two leaders had seen the coming together of India and the US on various global issues.

The visit comes hours after a US military plane took off with migrants to be deported to India on board, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration, Reuters reported.

India is also keen to avoid tariffs that Trump has threatened in the past, citing India’s high tariffs on US products, as reported by Reuters. (ANI)

Owaisi Says Waqf Amendment Bill Would Lead To ‘Social Instability’

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday warned the government against tabling the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in its current form, saying that it would lead to social instability in the country.

Owaisi said that the Bill has been rejected by the entire Muslim community.

“I am cautioning and warning this government – if you bring and make a Waqf law in the present form, which will be a violation of Article 25, 26 and 14, it will lead to social instability in this country. It has been rejected by the entire Muslim community. No Waqf property will be left, nothing will be left,” the AIMIM chief said during his address in the Lok Sabha.

“You want to make India ‘Viksit Bharat’, we want ‘Viksit Bharat’. You want to take this country back to the ’80s and early ’90s, it will be your responsibility,” he added.

He further said, “As a proud Indian Muslim, I will not lose an inch of my Masjid…I will not lose an inch of my Dargah. I will not allow that. We will no more come and give a diplomatic talk over here. This is the House where I have to stand and speak honestly, that my community – we are proud Indians. It is my property, not given by anyone. You cannot snatch it away from me. Waqf is a form of worship for me.”

Earlier in the day, opposition MPs Kalyan Banerjee (Lok Sabha) and Md. Nadimul Haque (Rajya Sabha) strongly protested the removal of key portions from their dissent notes submitted to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the MPs alleged that their objections were arbitrarily deleted without prior notice or explanation.

“To our dismay and utter surprise, we found that the following objectives and dissent notes have been deleted by the Chairman without informing us and without our consent,” the MPs wrote in their letter dated February 3, 2025. (ANI)

Trump Administration Deporting Migrants To India Via Military Aircraft: Report

A US military plane is deporting migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration, Reuters reported, citing a US official.

The official, who requested anonymity, said that additionally, the Pentagon has begun providing flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants held in US facilities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.

So far, military aircraft have flown migrants to Guatemala, Peru and Honduras.

Military flights are a costly way to transport migrants. According to Reuters, a military deportation flight to Guatemala last week likely cost at least USD 4,675 per migrant, Reuters reported.

On January 24, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals “overstaying” or residing without proper documentation in the United States or “anywhere in the world.”

During a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime.”

He added, “For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India.”

White House Press Secretary had announced on January 24 that “the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway.”

Sharing a post on X, Karoline Leavitt said, “The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.”

In another post, she said, “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors. Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”

Notably, Trump during his presidential campaign in 2024, had promised that he would declare a national emergency to carry out mass deportations of migrants living in the US without legal permission. Just after taking office on January 20, he signed executive orders declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border with Mexico. (ANI)