The Government of India has deported no fewer than 2,356 Nigerians between 2019 and 2024, with official figures showing a sharp rise in removals over the last two years. Data released by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs indicate that deportations of Nigerian nationals climbed significantly during the 2023–2024 fiscal year. Within that period alone, 1,470 Nigerians were removed — nearly four times the 339 recorded in 2021. From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, Nigerians accou

A Nigerian national has been taken into custody in India after law enforcement authorities reportedly found him in possession of cocaine during an anti-narcotics operation in Goa. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Omorigo Friday, was apprehended by operatives of the Goa Police Crime Branch during a targeted raid in the Pilerne area of North Goa. The operation, carried out last week, led to the seizure of nearly 32 grams of a substance suspected to be high-grade cocaine.

Indian police have arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with an alleged cyber fraud scheme involving impersonation of company executives to swindle employees. The suspects were picked up by operatives of the cybercrime unit in Gurgaon, following an investigation into fraudulent WhatsApp messages sent to staff of Indian firms, police authorities said. According to investigators, the duo posed as directors of companies and contacted employees with urgent instructions t

An Indian appellate court has dismissed attempts by two Nigerian nationals to overturn the cancellation of their student visas and secure their release from a foreigners’ detention facility in India. The case was heard at the Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru, where Obinna Okafor and John Vandefan challenged an earlier ruling that denied their requests for visa renewal and invalidated their stay in the country. In its judgment, a two-member panel led by Chief Justice Vibhu Ba

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commended the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for its strong commitment to preserving culture, language and heritage, ahead of his planned official visit to Kuala Lumpur in early February. Speaking during his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi described the Indian community in Malaysia as a deeply rooted population that has lived in the country for generations and considers it home, while maintaining close cultural ties with India.

The Indian diaspora across the world marked India’s 77th Republic Day on Monday with widespread celebrations, flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and patriotic gatherings at Indian missions abroad. In Beijing, the Indian ambassador led the Republic Day ceremony, where the national flag was raised and India’s President address was read aloud to attendees. The event also featured patriotic slogans and a strong display of national pride. In Shanghai, the Indian cons

The Indian community in Oman organised a colourful and well-attended reception this week to honour the crew of INSV Kaundinya, following the vessel’s successful arrival in Muscat after a historic sea voyage from India. The traditional stitched ship, which sailed from Porbandar in Gujarat in late December, reached Oman after spending over two weeks navigating the Arabian Sea. Its arrival marked a significant milestone in efforts to revive and showcase India’s ancient maritime

Australia has introduced stricter integrity measures for international student visas, reclassifying several South Asian countries into its highest risk assessment tier, a move expected to result in tougher scrutiny and longer processing times for applicants Under the revised framework, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan have been placed in Assessment Level 3 (AL3), the highest risk category used by Australian immigration authorities. The change took effect in early January 2

The Indian diaspora remains a crucial driver of India’s international influence, but issues such as dual citizenship and voting rights for non-resident Indians (NRIs) are complicated by constitutional, geopolitical, and security considerations, senior BJP leader Ram Madhav said at a Washington event. Speaking at a session hosted by the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), Madhav emphasized the strong emotional and professional connection Indians abroad maintain with their homelan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Indian diaspora as a vital link between India and the international community, praising overseas Indians for strengthening the country’s global presence while remaining deeply connected to their roots. In a message marking Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, observed annually on January 9, the Prime Minister acknowledged the far-reaching impact of Indians living abroad, noting their contributions to economic growth, innovation, culture, and

Indian security agencies have arrested four Nigerian nationals in a series of anti-narcotics operations carried out across different cities between Thursday and Saturday. The arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led raids targeting suspected drug trafficking networks. One of the suspects, 37-year-old Tanguy Nguessan, was arrested in the Pragati Nagar area of Nalasopara East after security operatives received information about an impending drug transaction. Officers repor

Indian law enforcement authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian national in connection with cocaine trafficking after discovering the illicit substance hidden inside loaves of bread. The suspect, identified as Olajide Esther Iyanuoluwa, was apprehended by operatives of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) following intelligence that a woman was transporting drugs from Mumbai to Bengaluru. Officers intercepted her shortly after she arrived in Bengaluru. A search of her belon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the Indian diaspora as he arrived in Amman, marking the start of the Jordan leg of his three-nation overseas tour. The reception at his hotel highlighted the strong presence and influence of Indian communities abroad. The four-day tour includes visits to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, aimed at deepening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. In Jordan, PM Modi is scheduled to meet King Abdullah II and Prime

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Friday, highlighting a renewed focus on defence, energy, and trade cooperation. The visit comes as India faces international scrutiny over its continued engagement with Russia. Putin received a formal ceremonial welcome, complete with an honour guard and 21-gun salute, before the leaders held talks at Hyderabad House. Modi personally greeted Putin at the airport, underscoring the close

Indian authorities have dismantled what they describe as a widespread criminal network involved in drug distribution and illegal money transfers, arresting 50 Nigerian nationals in a series of coordinated raids across multiple states. Security officials say the operation is one of the most extensive joint crackdowns India has carried out in recent years. Investigators report that the syndicate relied heavily on the hawala system , an informal financial channel that operates o

Indian President Droupadi Murmu has called on the Indian community in Botswana to continue playing a key role in strengthening relations between India and Botswana. Speaking to a gathering of over 10,000 diaspora members, President Murmu described the community as a “living bridge of friendship” that connects the two nations culturally, socially, and economically. At the start of her address, President Murmu paid tribute to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Delhi.