No Questions on Datta in US Detention at MEA Briefing
MEA Covers Global Indian Issues, Skips Datta Detention
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made no mention of Indian national Varun Datta’s detention in the United States during its weekly media briefing on December 26, 2025, and no questions were asked on the matter by journalists attending the briefing, suggesting the case remains closely held within diplomatic and legal channels. According to U.S. media reports, Datta is reportedly in federal custody under the Laken Riley Act, which allows for detention and removal proceedings for foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions. These reports have not been independently verified through U.S. court records or statements by the Department of Homeland Security.
During the briefing, the MEA outlined in general terms that Indian consular authorities routinely engage with host-country governments whenever nationals are detained, providing access to legal assistance, monitoring investigations, and facilitating communication with families. Officials emphasised that these measures are part of standard consular protocols applied universally, designed to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens abroad and to support due legal process in host countries. This statement was made in the broader context of questions regarding detained Indians in other jurisdictions, including the 16 Indians apprehended in Iran and the tragic death of an Indian-origin student in Canada. It was not a reference to Datta, whose detention was neither mentioned nor questioned, highlighting the MEA’s discretion in handling sensitive legal and diplomatic cases.
Also read: US Detains Indian National Under Laken Riley Act
The briefing covered a wide array of other issues affecting Indian nationals and regional geopolitics. On H‑1B visa delays, MEA officials acknowledged receiving multiple representations from Indian nationals facing difficulties due to new U.S. processes, including expanded social media vetting for speciality occupation visa applicants and their H‑4 dependents. Officials recognised that these delays disrupted professional commitments, family routines, and children’s education, and emphasised that the government is actively engaging with U.S. authorities in New Delhi and Washington to minimise hardships.
Extradition and repatriation questions were also addressed. When asked about extradition statistics and a reported request to the United Arab Emirates regarding individuals wanted in India, the MEA stated that specific details were not available at the time but assured that follow-ups would be conducted. Officials reiterated India’s commitment to securing the return of fugitives, noting that these processes are multi-layered, legally complex, and pursued with rigour and seriousness.
Regional developments in Bangladesh featured prominently. Journalists queried the continuing anti-India rhetoric, violence against minorities, and the exclusion of the Awami League from upcoming elections. The MEA condemned ongoing attacks against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, citing independent sources reporting over 2,900 incidents of killings, arsons, and land grabs under the interim government. Officials emphasised that such incidents cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration or merely political violence. On inclusive elections, the ministry clarified that all major political forces must participate for elections to be genuinely inclusive, and that India’s position reflects its commitment to democratic principles and regional stability. Regarding the return of Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh, the MEA reiterated that it supports free, fair, and inclusive elections and that his return should be understood in that context.
The briefing also touched upon Myanmar’s elections, scheduled for December 28, 2025. MEA officials reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic transition and the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections, noting that updates regarding India’s observer participation would be provided when finalised.
Consular matters abroad were addressed in detail. The MEA discussed the fatal shooting of an Indian-origin student near the University of Toronto and a medical negligence case in Canada involving Prashant Sreekumar. Officials confirmed continuous engagement with local authorities and the families, emphasising India’s commitment to providing all possible consular support, facilitating investigations, and ensuring due legal process.
Questions about an Indian-origin soldier reportedly captured in Ukraine while fighting with Russian forces were answered with confirmation that discussions with Ukrainian authorities are ongoing to verify facts and explore repatriation, while acknowledging the complexities arising from prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.
Trade and strategic partnerships also featured prominently. On India-U.S. bilateral trade negotiations, the MEA noted ongoing engagement aimed at concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement, referencing recent visits by U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer. Regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, officials highlighted that the 14th round of negotiations occurred in Brussels in October, with subsequent follow-up visits by Indian and EU officials, reflecting political-level commitments to a balanced and ambitious trade framework.
On Iran’s non-oil trade and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the MEA emphasised that detailed trade data is publicly available, and noted India’s broader goal of strengthening regional connectivity and strategic economic partnerships.
Other matters discussed included viral videos of fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, cooperation with Australian authorities regarding the Bondi Beach shootings, and the long-standing issue of a nuclear device at Nanda Devi, where the ministry stated no new developments had occurred, though monitoring continues.
Taken together, the briefing reflects the MEA’s multi-layered approach to diplomacy, consular affairs, and regional security, balancing citizen protection, legal obligations, strategic engagement, and procedural discretion. Analysts note that the absence of any reference to Varun Datta, coupled with no journalist questions, signals a deliberate choice to maintain diplomatic confidentiality, while consular and legal processes continue in the background. Families and stakeholders are advised to maintain direct communication with Indian embassies or consulates for verified updates, underscoring India’s practice of confidential, structured, and strategic diplomacy in sensitive detention cases.
– global bihari bureau
