From January 20 to July 22, 2025, as many as 1,703 Indian nationals were deported from the US, a written reply laid in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday.
Out of the total deportees, 1,562 were men and 141 were women. The most affected states by these deportations were Punjab with 620 returnees, Haryana with 604, Gujarat with 245, and Uttar Pradesh with 38.
The deportations were undertaken with different means—such as military planes flown by US Customs and Border Protection, as well as chartered planes organized by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Some also came back through commercial airlines flying out of Panama and the United States.
In reply to a question posed by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Singh underlined that the Indian government had expressed its disappointment to American officials regarding the handling of repatriated citizens. "The Ministry strongly registered its concerns with the US authorities on the treatment of deportees, particularly with regard to use of shackles, especially on women and children," he informed.
Issues were also brought up about religious and cultural practice handling, such as issues pertaining to turbans and certain diet requirements. Singh further added that since February 5, 2025, there have been no complaints filed on these matters.
For issues concerning US student visas, the Ministry of External Affairs recognized multiple appeals made by students who were experiencing delays and problems in obtaining F, M, and J visa categories. The issue was taken up with the US Embassy and the US State Department. The delay was cited on the American side due to increased security protocols but assured that visa appointments had started resuming.
Extra efforts are being undertaken to expedite visa interview appointments for doctors and to schedule additional appointments prior to the academic year.
Singh further assured that the Indian government is still monitoring the welfare of Indian immigrants and students in the U.S. through its missions. The missions have also designated special officers to help with complaints, while the MADAD platform helps enable grievances to be redressed in real time.
Through the Indian Community Welfare Fund, emergency assistance is also being extended to those requiring it.
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