Indian Students Targeted: 5 Shocking Facts Behind U.S. Crackdown & India’s Waqf Act Backlash

A recent South Central 22 podcast dissected two critical issues: the U.S. crackdown on Indian students and India’s contentious Waqf Amendment Act. In the U.S., students face deportations and investigations over social media posts or pro-Palestine activism, sparking panic and self-censorship. Diplomatic editor Suhasini Haidar criticized the erosion of due process, while journalists noted India’s muted response, contrasting PM Modi’s bold foreign policy rhetoric with weak advocacy for affected students.

Meanwhile, India’s Waqf Amendment Act, granting states control over Muslim charitable properties, drew sharp backlash. Lawyer Zafarullah Khan called it a systemic land grab targeting Muslims, exacerbating fears of marginalization. Critics, including host Dhanya Rajendran, highlighted the BJP’s hypocrisy in claiming to protect minorities while enabling hate speech and demolitions.

Both controversies underscore rising authoritarian trends—prioritizing political agendas over civil liberties—and deepen concerns about India’s secular fabric and global diplomatic equity. The episode urges vigilance in defending democratic rights amid escalating polarization. 

Indian Students Targeted: 5 Shocking Facts Behind U.S. Crackdown & India’s Waqf Act Backlash

In a charged episode of South Central 22, journalists and experts dissect two pressing issues: the U.S. crackdown on Indian students and India’s controversial Waqf Amendment Act. The discussion reveals systemic anxieties over civil liberties, minority rights, and geopolitical posturing.  

US Crackdown on Indian Students: Panic and Policy Gaps 

Context: 

Recent months have seen Indian students in the U.S. detained, deported, or investigated over social media activity and campus protests, often linked to criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.  

Key Insights:  

Erosion of Due Process: 

• Diplomatic editor Suhasini Haidar highlights a global trend where governments prioritize political optics over legal fairness. “The U.S. is signaling that due process is negotiable,” she notes, citing cases where students faced abrupt deportations without clear evidence.  

Chilling Effect on Free Speech: 

• Journalist Dhanya Rajendran underscores the climate of fear. Students now self-censor online, wary that pro-Palestine posts or campus activism could jeopardize visas. One student, wrongly accused of Hamas ties, described fleeing the U.S. after death threats.  

India’s Muted Response: 

• Despite PM Modi’s assertive foreign policy rhetoric, Pooja Prasanna critiques the government’s “meek” defense of affected students. This silence, she argues, contrasts sharply with India’s vocal advocacy for nationals in past crises, raising questions about political priorities. 

Behind the Scenes: 

• Analysts suggest the U.S. measures align with broader security crackdowns post-October 7 Hamas attacks. However, targeting Indian students—a cohort contributing $9 billion annually to the U.S. economy—exposes contradictions in soft power diplomacy.  

Waqf Amendment Act: Minority Rights Under Threat? 

The Law Explained: 

The Waqf Amendment Act, passed in April 2025, grants state governments greater control over Islamic charitable endowments (Waqf properties), which include mosques, schools, and land holdings. Supporters claim it prevents misuse, but critics see a systemic marginalization of Muslims.  

Controversial Provisions:  

• State-appointed administrators can now lease Waqf properties to private entities.  

• Legal challenges to Waqf land ownership face stricter timelines, disadvantaging Muslim claimants. 

Voices of Opposition: 

Lawyer Zafarullah Khan lambasts the law as a “land grab” disguised as reform. “The Act doesn’t fix corruption—it weaponizes bureaucracy to dispossess Muslims,” he argues, linking it to the BJP’s broader agenda of eroding minority rights.  

Hypocrisy Charge: 

Dhanya Rajendran contrasts the BJP’s “protectionist” rhetoric with actions: denying Muslims electoral representation, silence on hate speech, and home demolitions. “This law isn’t about governance; it’s about making Muslims second-class citizens,” she asserts.  

Political Calculus: 

With the 2026 Lok Sabha elections looming, the BJP may be galvanizing its Hindu base by framing Waqf reforms as anti-corruption—a narrative opponents call divisive.  

Broader Implications 

• Global Diplomatic Strains: 

The U.S. crackdown risks alienating a key ally in India, where public outrage over student treatment could pressure Modi to recalibrate ties.  

• Secularism vs. Majoritarianism: 

The Waqf Act fuels debates over India’s secular foundations. As institutions like the National Commission for Minorities face defunding, civil society warns of constitutional erosion.