New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has responded for the first time after the return of deported Indian migrants. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of all nations to take back their citizens who are found residing illegally in foreign countries. On Wednesday, over 100 Indian nationals, who were declared illegal immigrants in the U.S., returned to India via a special deportation flight. Meanwhile, the opposition has strongly criticized the government’s approach to handling the deportation process.
Responsibility of Countries to Take Back Illegal Migrants
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, S. Jaishankar said, “It is the responsibility of all countries to take back their citizens if they are found residing illegally abroad.” He also clarified that deportation is not a new process. A total of 104 Indian nationals were deported from the U.S. on a military aircraft, which landed at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar on Wednesday.
What Did He Say About Migrants Being Restrained?
Regarding reports of deportees being handcuffed, the Foreign Minister stated, “The deportation process is being carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed by ICE have been in effect since 2012, which include certain restraint measures. However, we have been informed by ICE that women and children were not handcuffed.”
Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is in discussions with U.S. authorities to ensure that deportees are treated with dignity and not subjected to any mistreatment.
How Many Indians Have Been Deported Over the Years?
In response to a question by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, the minister provided data on deportations from 2009 to 2025:
- 2009: 734 deportations
- 2010: 799
- 2011: 597
- 2012: 530
- 2013: 550
- 2014: 591
- 2015: 708
- 2016: 1,303
- 2017: 1,024
- 2018: 1,180
- 2019: 2,042
- 2020: 1,889
- 2021: 805
- 2022: 862
- 2023: 670
- 2024: 1,368
- 2025: 104 (so far)
Opposition Questions Government’s Handling of Deportations
Several opposition MPs criticized the government’s handling of the deportation process and raised concerns over the alleged mistreatment of migrants. Many deported individuals claimed that they were kept in handcuffs throughout the journey, which were only removed after landing at Amritsar airport.
The opposition continues to demand clarity on the treatment of deported Indians and the government’s future plans to address illegal migration issues.