Modi government worried about human trafficking; 388 Indians Deported from US

The government told Parliament on Friday that around 388 Indians have been repatriated from the US as of January 2025. Among them were 333 Indians, who were repatriated directly from the US to India during February through three different flights.

State Minister for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh responded through a written answer in Lok Sabha that 55 Indians have been repatriated on commercial flights via Panama from the US. The Ministry of External Affairs was asked whether there was information received by the Central Government about individuals to be deported from the US this year and whether the government has requested US authorities to ensure adequate facilities for them.

The ministry was also asked whether the Prime Minister raised at a high level with the US President and US authorities any issues with regard to the mistreatment of the deportees.

In response, Kirti Vardhan Singh said that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have recently shared information with us regarding 295 additional individuals who have been detained for removal from the US.

He said that during the Prime Minister's visit to the US on February 12-13, the need to promote safe, orderly, and legal migration while cracking down on illegal immigration networks was discussed. India has strongly lodged its concerns with US officials regarding the treatment of deportees on the plane that landed in the US on February 5, especially the use of shackles on women.

He said that both sides acknowledged the need to work together to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking and strict action has been taken against illegal immigration networks.

Singh said the US is only deporting those Indian nationals who have been caught violating US immigration laws. Responding to another question, the minister said India continues to engage with the US administration to deepen strategic convergence on all issues of mutual interest.