NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The Indian Ministry of External Affairs is in the process of confirming the identity of 295 persons in the custody of the U.S. for deportation to India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has told the Rajya Sabha that these persons are under the final order of removal by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Since January 2025, 388 Indian nationals have been deported by the U.S. Among them, 333 landed on three flights on February 5, 15, and 16 in Amritsar, respectively. The breakdown of deportees among states is 126 from Punjab, 110 from Haryana, 74 from Gujarat, with a few people from other states.
Moreover, 55 Indian nationals were deported via Panama, arranged by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The MEA is in contact with the authorities in Panama and Costa Rica to ensure their safe repatriation.
The Indian government has raised its concerns regarding the treatment of deportees, specifically the use of restraints during deportation flights. The MEA has complained to U.S. authorities regarding the treatment of deportees on the February 5 flight, especially the use of shackles, especially on women.
