388 Indians deported from US since January: Government
What's the story
The Indian government has said that 388 citizens have been deported from the US since January 2025. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the information in response to questions in the Lok Sabha. Singh said 333 of them were deported directly from the US on three military flights in February.
Other deportations
Additional deportations via Panama
Singh also said another 55 Indian nationals were deported via Panama on commercial flights. He added that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities have provided the details of another 295 persons detained in their custody, who have final orders of removal from the US. MEA and other concerned agencies are verifying details for these persons.
Policy discussion
India's stance on illegal immigration
During PM Narendra Modi's recent US visit, safe and legal migration was discussed. The government reiterated its consistent stand against illegal immigration while advocating the humane treatment of deportees. Both countries agreed on the need to work together to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration, by taking strong action against criminal facilitators and bad actors.
Historical data
Deportations in context
A total of 15,564 Indian nationals have been deported by the US to India from 2009-2024. The government has made state-wise and date-wise data available for the deportees. It also includes details of those who reached New Delhi from the US via Panama on commercial flights from February 20 to March 2.
Treatment issues
Concerns over treatment of deportees
The government has raised strong concerns with US authorities over the treatment meted out to deportees, especially those who are sent out in shackles during repatriation Singh said. He clarified that the US side has assured that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on February 15 and 16. Indian agencies too confirmed this after questioning deportees on their return to India.