AMRITSAR, India, Feb 6 – The Indian government is actively working with U.S. officials to ensure that Indian nationals being deported are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed the issue on Thursday, emphasizing that India remains committed to upholding the rights of its citizens abroad while also acknowledging the need to curb illegal migration.
The discussion gained urgency after a U.S. military aircraft transported 104 deported Indian nationals back to Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday. The move is part of Washington’s broader immigration enforcement policy, and it has sparked political controversy within India. Opposition leaders have demanded answers regarding the treatment of those deported, particularly after reports surfaced that many were restrained during the flight.
Political Outcry in India
The timing of the deportation, which comes just a week ahead of a scheduled meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, has added to the debate. Opposition parties in India have strongly criticized the treatment of deportees and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament.
Gaurav Gogoi, a lawmaker from the opposition Congress party, expressed deep concerns over the reports that several deportees, apart from children, were restrained during the flight. He described the alleged treatment as degrading and questioned whether proper procedures were followed to ensure humane deportation. Another Congress leader, Manickam Tagore, urged the government to clarify its stance and outline the steps taken to protect Indian citizens from mistreatment during repatriation.
Jaishankar, responding to concerns raised in Parliament, acknowledged that the use of restraints is permitted under U.S. deportation laws. However, he reassured lawmakers that children and women among the deportees had not been subjected to such measures. He further stressed that India’s priority should be to dismantle illegal migration networks that lead to such situations.
India’s Stand on Deportation
Jaishankar reaffirmed that it is the responsibility of all nations to accept their citizens who have been found to be living illegally abroad. He noted that India has been receiving deported nationals from various countries, including the United States, for years. However, the government remains committed to ensuring that the return process is carried out without unnecessary distress to those affected.
He stated, “We are actively engaging with the U.S. authorities to guarantee that deportees are treated in a dignified manner and are not subjected to any inhumane treatment during their journey back.”
The Deportation Process
Following their arrival at Amritsar airport, the deportees reportedly underwent rigorous questioning and verification procedures before being escorted out in small groups by law enforcement officials. Reports from local officials suggested that many of the individuals were handcuffed during the flight, further intensifying the debate.
Michael Banks, a senior official with the U.S. Border Patrol, confirmed the deportation in an online post, reiterating that individuals found to be residing illegally in the country would face removal. His statement was accompanied by a video showing some of the deportees being led onto the military aircraft with their hands restrained.
The U.S. Embassy in Delhi responded to the concerns, stating that enforcing immigration laws is a key priority for the country. A spokesperson affirmed that the U.S. follows its legal obligations in carrying out deportations and emphasized that all nations must comply with immigration laws to ensure national security and public safety.
Broader Implications on U.S.-India Relations
Migration policies have been a key area of discussion between India and the United States in recent years. With Trump’s administration taking a strict stance on illegal immigration, such deportations are likely to continue. However, the use of military aircraft for the process marks a significant departure from previous deportation practices.
Despite tensions surrounding this issue, India and the U.S. continue to strengthen their strategic partnership. The two nations share strong economic ties, with the U.S. being India’s largest trading partner. Additionally, both countries are collaborating on security and defense initiatives, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region to counter growing regional challenges.
While the Indian government is working to ensure that its deported citizens are treated fairly, it also recognizes the importance of addressing illegal migration at its roots. Strengthening legal migration pathways, including access to skilled worker visas, remains a key objective in India’s diplomatic efforts with the U.S.
As the controversy unfolds, the Indian government is expected to take a firm stance in protecting the dignity of its citizens while continuing diplomatic discussions to ensure a fair and humane process for those returning home.