The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has expressed serious concerns regarding the treatment of Indian nationals deported from the United States for unlawful immigration. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the Indian government will continue to advocate for the rights and humane treatment of these individuals in the future.
Concerns Raised by the MEA
During a special briefing on Friday, Misri highlighted that the MEA has already communicated its apprehensions to U.S. authorities regarding the deportation process. He stated, “India has registered its concerns with the U.S. on deportation issues,” underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the “mistreatment of Indian deportees”.
Reports have surfaced detailing the harsh conditions faced by some Indians during their deportation from the U.S. Many deportees have alleged that they were subjected to inhumane treatment, including being “handcuffed” and having their feet “chained,” which prevented them from moving during their transport.
Outrage Over Deportation Practices
The recent deportation of 104 unlawful immigrants, which included 25 women, 12 minors, and 79 men, has sparked significant outrage across India. Eyewitness accounts from the deportees describe a distressing experience aboard a U.S. military aircraft, specifically a C-17 Globemaster, which landed at Amritsar’s Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport on Wednesday. This incident marks a notable action by the Trump administration concerning immigration enforcement.
The treatment of the deportees, particularly the restraint methods used on the majority of the men, has raised alarms among human rights advocates and the general public. The MEA’s acknowledgment of these issues reflects a growing concern over the treatment of Indian nationals abroad.
MEA’s Stance on Deportation
In previous statements, the MEA has clarified that deportation is a legal process that can be executed by foreign nations when individuals violate immigration laws. The ministry noted that in most cases, the Indian Embassy or Consulate may not be able to intervene to prevent deportation.
However, they encouraged individuals who believe they are being unfairly deported to bring their cases to the attention of Indian diplomatic missions, which can then engage with local immigration authorities.
Upcoming Visit of PM Modi to the US
In light of these developments, Foreign Secretary Misri also announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming official visit to the United States on February 12 and 13. This visit will be significant as it marks Modi’s first trip to the U.S. following the inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term.
Mr. Misri noted that PM Modi would be among the first world leaders to visit the U.S. after the inauguration, highlighting the importance of India-U.S. relations.
The timing of Modi’s visit coincides with heightened scrutiny over the treatment of Indian nationals abroad, particularly in the context of immigration policies. It remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed during discussions between the Indian and U.S. leadership.
Conclusion
As India continues to raise concerns over the treatment of its nationals deported from the U.S., the MEA’s commitment to advocating for humane treatment is clear. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States may provide an opportunity to further address these pressing issues and strengthen bilateral relations.
The situation underscores the complexities of immigration policies and the need for ongoing dialogue between nations to ensure the rights and dignity of individuals are upheld.
