Wed Feb 05 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India Demands Humane Treatment of Deportees Amidst Concerns Over US Deportation Practices

**New Delhi, India** – The inhumane treatment of over 200 Indian nationals deported from the United States aboard a C-130 military transport plane has sparked outrage and prompted demands for action from the Indian government. Reports indicate the deportees were provided with only one porta-potty during the long flight.

This incident, highlighting the dehumanizing conditions faced by individuals without legal status, particularly those outside the Caucasian demographic, is attributed to policies enacted under the Trump administration. The stark contrast between the treatment of these Indian deportees and the likely public outcry that would accompany the similar deportation of Caucasians has fueled concerns about racial bias and discrimination.

Ambassador Manav Sachdeva, in a commentary, expressed serious concerns that this incident, far from being isolated, could be repeated for the remaining 18,000 Indians facing deportation. He argues that the image of Indians being returned on military transport planes evokes colonial-era sentiments of rejection and could significantly damage India-US relations.

Sachdeva urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise these concerns forcefully with President Trump during their upcoming meeting on February 13th. He calls for the deportations, if they must proceed, to be conducted with dignity and due process, not as the treatment of criminals. Furthermore, he warns of potential negative impacts on Indian-American communities who may now face increased scrutiny and discrimination.

Beyond the immediate human rights concerns, the piece underscores the broader strategic implications for India-US cooperation in defense, security, space exploration, and trade. The significant contributions of Indian and Indian-American professionals in technology, AI, and energy sectors are jeopardized by this strained relationship.

The commentary concludes with a call for both the Indian government to address the root causes of emigration through good governance and job creation, and for Indians to prioritize dignity over the pursuit of an often-elusive “American Dream.” The author advocates for India to cultivate national strength to deter future instances of such mistreatment of its citizens abroad.

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