Fri Mar 21 17:00:03 UTC 2025: ## Mass Deportation of Indian Nationals from US Sparks Concerns
**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – The Indian government revealed on Friday that 388 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025, sparking concerns about the treatment of deportees. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) disclosed that 333 individuals were deported directly from the US on three separate military flights in February, while another 55 were deported via Panama on commercial flights.
The MEA’s statement came in response to parliamentary questions regarding the deportations. The ministry confirmed that an additional 295 Indian nationals currently detained in the US with deportation orders are undergoing verification. While the government has not sent its own aircraft to repatriate these individuals, the issue of humane treatment of deportees was discussed during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the US. Both countries agreed to cooperate on combating illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The government emphasized that the US is deporting only those who violated US immigration laws. However, concerns remain regarding the reported treatment of deportees, particularly the use of restraints, especially on women, during the February 5th deportation flight. The MEA has formally registered its protest over this with US authorities.
The choice of Amritsar as a landing site for the deportation flights, despite deportees originating from multiple Indian states, was justified by the government as being operationally convenient and considering proximity to the deportees’ final destinations. Detailed state-wise and date-wise breakdowns of the deported individuals were provided by the government.
The large-scale deportation follows a pattern, with a total of 15,564 Indian nationals deported from the US between 2009 and 2024. The government continues to monitor the situation and engage with US authorities on the matter.
First Piper 