India's Foreign Minister Reports on Deportations and Human Trafficking Issues
Overview of Deportations from the U.S.
On Thursday, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that since 2009, the United States has deported a total of 18,822 Indian nationals, including 3,258 individuals deported from January 2025 to the present. Responding to supplementary questions in the upper house, Jaishankar noted that investigations into human trafficking cases have been conducted by both state authorities and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with Punjab reporting the highest number of cases. He stated in a written response, 'A total of 18,822 Indian citizens have been sent back to India since 2009.'
Recent Deportation Statistics
The minister revealed that in 2023, 617 Indians were deported, followed by 1,368 in 2024. He added, 'From January 2025 to now, 3,258 Indian nationals have been deported by the U.S. Among these, 2,032 (approximately 62.3%) returned on regular commercial flights, while the remaining 1,226 (37.6%) were brought back on charter flights operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).' In his responses, Jaishankar mentioned that the NIA had established an anti-human trafficking cell a few years ago, which is authorized to investigate such cases, and states have also initiated inquiries into these matters.
Human Trafficking Investigations
Jaishankar further detailed that the NIA has registered First Information Reports (FIRs) in 27 human trafficking cases, resulting in 169 arrests and charges filed against 132 individuals. The agency apprehended two major traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7, and two others in Himachal Pradesh on October 2. He pointed out that Punjab has the highest incidence of human trafficking cases, with the state government forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a fact-finding committee. According to their findings, 25 FIRs have been filed against 58 illegal travel agents, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects.
State-Level Actions and International Cooperation
In Haryana, 2,325 cases and 44 FIRs have been recorded, with 27 arrests made. Gujarat has also seen the arrest of a significant trafficker. The Foreign Ministry is in ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities to ensure humane treatment of Indian citizens during the deportation process. Jaishankar emphasized that the ministry has lodged strong objections regarding the use of shackles on women and children with U.S. officials. He noted, 'Since the deportation flight on February 5, there have been no reports of shackling women and children.'
Safety Protocols During Deportations
He explained that U.S. officials have stated that a 'control policy' has been in place since November 19, 2012, under ICE's standard operating procedures. This policy aims to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. In the past, there have been incidents where deportees attacked other deportees and crew members. Generally, women and minors are not shackled, but the final decision rests with the flight officer based on safety considerations. Jaishankar mentioned that these deportation flights also return individuals accused of serious crimes such as terrorism and murder, including fugitives like Lakhwinder Singh and Anmol Bishnoi.
Addressing Specific Cases
He noted that based on statements and details from returning deportees, both central and state governments have filed FIRs in several cases, continuing investigations and actions against illegal immigration agents, criminal gangs, and human trafficking networks. Highlighting a specific case, he mentioned that Harjeet Kaur, aged 73, was deported from the U.S. on February 25. He clarified, 'She was not shackled, but there was mistreatment during her detention.' Jaishankar confirmed that Indian officials engage with every deportee upon their return, stating, 'In Harjeet Kaur's case, our immigration officials have verified that she was not shackled, but she did experience mistreatment during detention.'
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement
On September 26, the issue was formally raised with the U.S. Embassy, expressing serious concerns about her treatment. Jaishankar assured the house that the government is maintaining continuous dialogue with the U.S. regarding this matter.