India Acknowledges Lack of Data on Deportations, Remains Silent on U.S. Treatment of Nationals

New Delhi: The Indian government has admitted in the Rajya Sabha that it does not have comprehensive data on the total number of Indian nationals facing deportation from the United States. Responding to a query from Dr. John Brittas (CPI-M), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that while 295 Indians with final removal orders are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. authorities have not provided clear figures on the overall number at risk of deportation.
According to Indian authorities, 388 Indian nationals have already been deported from the U.S. since January 2025. However, concerns are growing over the harsh conditions faced by deportees during transit. The U.S. continues to follow a 2012 Standard Operating Procedure that allows the use of restraints, including handcuffs and shackles. Deportees have reported distressing experiences—being restrained for extended periods, limited access to food and water, and enduring severe psychological stress. Many individuals, detained for months prior to deportation, were shackled like criminals, despite having sought better opportunities abroad.
Rather than strongly condemning this treatment, the Indian government has only acknowledged the procedure. The MEA confirmed that shackles were used on previous deportation flights and stated that concerns were raised with U.S. authorities, particularly regarding women deported on February 5, 2025. While U.S. officials assured that no women or children were restrained on flights departing on February 15 and 16, the final decision remains at the discretion of flight officers. The Indian government’s muted response—limited to diplomatic protests and verbal assurances—has raised questions about its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad.