S Jaishankar Addresses Lok Sabha on Deportation of Indian Citizens from the US

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke in the Lok Sabha about the deportation of Indian citizens from the United States, following concerns raised by opposition MPs. The deportations, organized by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), follow procedures established in 2012. Jaishankar assured that women and children are not restrained during flights, and deportees' needs are met, including food and medical emergencies.

He emphasized that there has been no change in procedures for the recent deportation flight on February 5, 2025. The Indian government is working with the US to ensure deportees are treated well. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of cracking down on illegal migration while facilitating visas for legitimate travelers. He shared deportation statistics from 2009 to 2025, noting that the process is not new.

Jaishankar stressed the obligation of countries to take back nationals living abroad illegally, subject to nationality verification. He called for encouraging legal mobility and discouraging illegal migration, which often leads to inhumane conditions and other crimes. He noted that returned deportees have shared their difficult experiences.