New Delhi, July 2025 — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 1,563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States between January 20 and July 2025, marking a sharp rise in immigration-related removals this year.
According to official sources, most deportees were returned on commercial flights, while several were repatriated via chartered and military aircraft. In an earlier update from March 2025, the MEA had reported that 388 Indians had already been deported, including 333 on military aircraft and 55 by commercial flights, many of which transited through Central American countries.
Issues Raised Over Deportation Practices
The MEA clarified that individuals were only accepted after their Indian citizenship was confirmed by diplomatic missions in the US. However, several concerns have been raised about the treatment of deportees, particularly in cases involving military flights.
One incident, reported on February 5, involved Indian citizens being returned while shackled and handcuffed. Indian officials objected to the use of physical restraints and also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of culturally appropriate food and religious sensitivity during these journeys. A formal protest was lodged with US authorities regarding these practices.
Tougher US Policies Behind the Rise
The spike in deportations follows the reinstatement of stringent immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s second term. During his first term (2017–2021), around 6,135 Indians were deported. Under President Joe Biden, this number dropped to roughly 3,000.
By May 2025, over 1,080 Indians had already been deported this year, with approximately 62% returned via commercial flights, reflecting a more aggressive immigration crackdown.
India’s Response and Future Steps
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh assured that India is working to ensure that all deportations are handled in a lawful and respectful manner. Additionally, India is intensifying efforts to combat illegal migration, dismantle trafficking routes, and educate citizens on the risks of unauthorized entry, particularly via Latin America.
