Since January 2025, a total of 388 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States, the government informed Parliament on Friday.
Of these, 333 individuals were sent directly from the US to India on three separate chartered flights in February. Additionally, 55 Indians were deported via Panama and arrived in India on commercial flights, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in a written response in the Lok Sabha.
The Ministry of External Affairs was asked whether the government had received details of those scheduled for deportation this year and if it had requested US authorities to ensure proper facilities for them. Additionally, questions were raised on whether the Prime Minister had discussed concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment of deportees with the US President and senior officials.
Responding to these queries, Singh confirmed that 333 individuals were deported after verification on chartered flights that landed on February 5, 15, and 16, 2025. The remaining 55 were deported through Panama on commercial flights.
He further stated that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement had recently provided details of an additional 295 Indians currently in custody with final removal orders. The Ministry of External Affairs, along with other relevant agencies, is verifying their information.
When asked whether India plans to send its own aircraft to bring back those designated as illegal immigrants, Singh highlighted that the issue of safe, legal, and orderly migration—along with action against illegal immigration networks—was discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit to the US on February 12-13.
India reiterated its firm stance against illegal immigration while emphasizing humane treatment for deportees. Both nations agreed to collaborate closely in combating illegal migration and human trafficking by targeting criminal facilitators and illegal networks, Singh added.
The US is deporting only those Indians who have violated American immigration laws, he clarified, noting that illegal migration is often linked to other crimes. Many deported individuals have recounted distressing experiences of being exploited.
The Indian government remains committed to identifying and cracking down on human trafficking networks and illegal immigration agents, Singh said.
On February 5, a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed at Amritsar airport with 104 deported Indian immigrants—the first such batch under the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal migration. Reports of their treatment sparked nationwide outrage.
Singh noted that the US Standard Operating Procedure, in effect since November 2012, mandates the use of restraints on deportees. However, the Indian government has strongly objected to the treatment of those on the February 5 flight, particularly the use of shackles, including on women, and has raised these concerns with US authorities.
