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.

Six Nigerian nationals, including a man identified as Steve Uzochi, have been taken into custody by Indian authorities for allegedly defrauding a businessman of approximately N53 million through a fraudulent pharmaceutical trade scheme. The arrests were carried out following a coordinated investigation across multiple Indian cities. According to law enforcement officials, the suspects set up a sophisticated scam targeting investors by presenting themselves as representatives

Indian state ministers have called on members of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom to act as cultural ambassadors, promoting the country's rich and lesser-known attractions to international audiences. The appeal was made during the “Travellers’ Paradise” event hosted by the High Commission of India in London, held alongside the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 one of the world’s premier travel industry exhibitions. Representatives from Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya

Photo credit: istock The Indian Police have arrested three Nigerian women for allegedly operating a drug trafficking network in Delhi, leading to the recovery of cocaine and MDMA from their possession. According to Times of India, the suspects identified as Precious, Gift, and Joy were apprehended near Bakhtawar Chowk after the earlier arrest of an Indian national, Adarsh Sahu, who was found with 26 grams of MDMA. Sahu’s interrogation reportedly led investigators to the wom

Direct flights between India and China have resumed after a hiatus of more than five years, reflecting improving diplomatic relations between the two Asian powers. On Monday, IndiGo flight 6E 1703 from Kolkata touched down in Guangzhou, carrying approximately 180 passengers. Air travel between India and China was first suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension continued after a deadly border clash in the Himalayan region, which significantly straine

Zoho Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Sridhar Vembu, has called on Indian professionals living abroad to return home and contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous nation. In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu referenced a recent research report highlighting the massive fiscal contributions of Indian immigrants in the United States. The study showed that Indian immigrants and their descendants contribute an average of $1.7 million to the U.S. fed

The Indian High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, has called for renewed commitment to educating and empowering girls, describing them as key drivers of future progress. Singh made the remark during a visit to the Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja, in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The event, organised in partnership with several Indian companies operating in Nigeria and supported by the Indian High Com

The Government of India has launched the first-ever global edition of the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 , with Indian communities and friends of India in more than 100 countries participating simultaneously on Sunday. The initiative, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), was part of Seva Pakhwada  (September 17–October 2) under the theme “Run to Serve the Nation.” Community runs covering 3–5 kilometers were h

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, on Sunday praised the Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau for their “invaluable contributions” to strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing India’s relations with the Special Administrative Regions. During an interaction organised by the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong, Margherita commended the diaspora for deepening bilateral links and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to supporting India

Three leaders of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Indiana Chapter, have been honoured at the maiden edition of the CBI African Icons Merit Award, held on September 6 at the Global Village Welcome Center, Indianapolis. The award ceremony, organised by the CBI Community Network, celebrated African professionals and community leaders making remarkable contributions across Indiana. A total of 17 awards were presented, with NIDO Indiana figures clinching three key re

The Nepali diaspora in India is living in fear as violent anti-corruption protests in Nepal spiral into chaos, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 400 others injured. The unrest has forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, with angry mobs torching the homes of government ministers and attacking political offices in Kathmandu. In cities like Pune and Delhi, Nepali students and professionals say their lives have been consumed by worry for their families back h

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to issue a public apology after she suggested that the country had admitted “unsustainable numbers” of Indian migrants to benefit his Labor Party politically. The senator’s remarks, made during a radio interview last week, tied Indian migration to voting patterns and blamed the community for cost-of-living pressures. Her comments s