Thu Feb 06 09:06:15 UTC 2025: ## India Vows Crackdown on Human Traffickers After Mass Deportation from US
**New Delhi, February 6, 2025** – India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced a strong response to the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States, promising exemplary action against human traffickers. The statement, made in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, followed Opposition protests regarding the treatment of the deportees during their flight from the US.
While acknowledging the US’s right to deport those living illegally within its borders, Minister Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to working with the US government to ensure humane treatment of returning citizens. He stated that the government is actively engaging with the US to prevent mistreatment during deportation flights. He clarified that the deportation process, involving restraints, has been in place since 2012 and applies to various countries, not just India. He specifically stated that women and children were not restrained and that necessary provisions for food, medical needs, and toilet breaks were made during the flight.
The Minister further detailed that the February 5th deportation, conducted using a US military aircraft, followed established procedures. This contradicts claims made by some deportees who alleged they were handcuffed throughout the journey. The 104 deportees arrived in Amritsar and originated from various Indian states, with a significant number from Haryana, Gujarat, and Punjab.
The incident has sparked debate about illegal immigration and the need for a stricter crackdown on human trafficking networks facilitating such movements. The Indian government’s commitment to addressing the issue, alongside its engagement with the US government to protect the rights of its citizens during deportation, remain central to the ongoing discussion.
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