External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on February 6, 2025, regarding the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States. He emphasized that **it is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad**. Jaishankar stated that this principle is generally accepted in international relations and is not specific to any one country.
He also mentioned that the deportation process, which involved the use of restraints, was in line with the standard operating procedure (SOP) established by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since 2012. Women and children were not restrained during the deportation. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is engaging with the US to ensure that deportees are not mistreated in any manner.
Jaishankar further highlighted the need for a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry and taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travelers. He mentioned that law enforcement agencies would take preventive and exemplary actions against those involved in sending individuals to the US illegally.
The minister's comments came in response to concerns raised about the treatment of deportees, including reports of them being handcuffed during the flight. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also shared a video narrating the ordeal of one of the deportees, Harwinder Singh, who described the hardships faced during his journey.
Do you think the government's approach to handling deportations is adequate, or should there be more focus on protecting the rights of the deportees?