NEW DELHI– A total of 1,703 Indian nationals were deported from the United States between January 20 and July 22, 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Among those deported, 1,562 were men and 141 were women. The majority hailed from Punjab (620), Haryana (604), Gujarat (245), and Uttar Pradesh (38), Singh said in a written response to a question from MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
The deportations were conducted through multiple channels, including military and chartered flights operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Some individuals were also repatriated via commercial flights from both the U.S. and Panama.
Singh emphasized that the Indian government has raised concerns with U.S. authorities over the treatment of deportees. “The Ministry strongly registered its concerns with the U.S. authorities on the treatment of deportees, particularly regarding the use of shackles, especially on women and children,” he said.
Objections were also made concerning cultural sensitivities, including the handling of turbans and the failure to accommodate dietary needs. The MEA noted that no formal complaints have been received since February 5, 2025.
Addressing issues with U.S. student visas, Singh confirmed that the MEA received multiple complaints regarding delays and complications in securing F, M, and J category visas. These concerns were raised with both the U.S. Embassy and the State Department, which attributed the delays to enhanced security procedures. However, the U.S. has since resumed appointment scheduling.
The U.S. side has committed to prioritizing visa appointments for physicians and to releasing additional slots ahead of the academic session.
Singh added that Indian missions continue to monitor the situation of students and migrants in the U.S., with dedicated officers and the MADAD portal in place to handle grievances in real time. Emergency assistance is also available through the Indian Community Welfare Fund. (Source: IANS)
