Calls grow in India to boycott US study amid tariff row
2 Min Read
Tensions between India and the United States are spilling into the education sector as calls mount for Indian students to shun the US as a study destination.
The push follows Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, escalating disputes over Russian oil and agricultural access. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has urged students to resist the “temptation” of pursuing higher education abroad, particularly in the US.
“We have launched a campaign against foreign companies and goods as the US and other countries are blocking exports with tariff barriers,” said SJM co-convener Ashwani Mahajan.
Former Indian ambassador to the US, Arun Kumar Singh, has also encouraged students to explore alternatives, citing tightened F-1 visa rules and lengthy delays in appointment scheduling.
Despite more than 330,000 Indian students being enrolled in American universities last year, consultancy firms report a 70–80% drop in outbound interest. F-1 visas issued to Indians have plunged 44% in the first half of 2025, prompting US lawmakers to press Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address delays before the academic year begins.
Education has long been a strong pillar of India–US relations, with leaders on both sides advocating joint degrees, collaborations and cross-border campuses. Yet, rising tariffs and stricter immigration policies are complicating this partnership.
Industry voices caution against panic. “Concerns are understandable given the climate, but students must focus on long-term goals rather than immediate noise,” said Namita Mehta of The Red Pen, who noted most of her clients still secured visas this year.
Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, added that while graduate students largely remain committed to the US, undergraduates are increasingly exploring the UK, Europe and Australia due to high costs and visa delays.
With US consulates warning against reliance on third-party visa agents, experts argue that systemic reforms are essential to restore confidence. For now, India’s students are weighing whether the prestige of a US education still outweighs the uncertainties.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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