Rajya Sabha rocked over deportees being brought in chains, handcuffs

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the Centre is in discussions with the US government to ensure deportees are treated fairly. He emphasised that every country has an obligation to take back its nationals if they are found residing illegally abroad. Jaishankar also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him on the matter.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha, EAM S Jaishankar says, "It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad. This is naturally subject to an unambiguous verification of their nationality."

"This is not a policy applicable to any specific country, nor is it one practiced only by India. It is a generally accepted principle in international relations. Members would be aware that the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years."

Deportations in last 15 years

Opposition reacts to government's answer

"The way in which they are being sent is not right. Deportation should happen on humane manner. They had to stand for over 17 hours," said Tiruchi Siva, DMK MP.

"After listening to EAM Jaishankat it seems the Indian government is more focused on US deportation policies than their own cirizens," said Saket Gokhale, TMC MP.

"The number of deportation went up since 2016, we all know which government was there in 2016, are there any answers why the numbers has gone up?" asked Gokale.

"Why being a Vishwaguru our citizens are bieng shakkled in chain while countries like Columbia can send an aircraft and bring back the citizens with dignity," expressed Gokhale.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena MP asks PM Modi is going to US and now people are being sent back. “Will PM Modi ask about the deportation during the visit ?”

Opposition MPs including John Brittas, Manoj Kumar Jha, Ram Gopal Yadav raised questions to EAM Jaishankar regarding the deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the US.

“Today, Modi government and Modi government’s External Affairs Minister (referring to S Jaishankar) deceived the people of India on 104 Indians deported from the US… Why is the Modi government silent on the inhumane treatment of 104 Indians who were deported from the US with handcuffs, and iron chains on their legs…,” says Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress MP.

S Jaishankar's reply

"Yes, we know that there were 104 people to be deported, we verified the nationality, we gave the clearance for the flight."

"Let us not make out that this is a new issue." 

EAM Jaishankar responds saying, “Authorities have been given instructions to sit with every returnee and find out how they went to America, how they were taken.”

“They were misled by agents and they have gone through harrowing experience,” Jaishankar says.

Jaishankar said, "We are, of course, engaging with the US government to ensure that the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner during the flight. At the same time, the House will appreciate that our focus should be on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travelers. Based on the information provided by returning deportees about the agents and others involved, law enforcement agencies will take necessary preventive and exemplary actions" 

The Congress on Thursday submitted adjournment motions in the Lok Sabha, demanding an urgent discussion on the deportation of over 100 illegal Indian immigrants by the United States (US) and urged the Centre to clarify its stance and outline diplomatic efforts being made to ensure the dignified treatment of deported individuals.  

The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.

Congress MPs KC Venugopal, Gaurav Gogoi, and Manickam Tagore moved the motions, stressing the need to "urgently address the issue to prevent further dehumanisation" and to "uphold the dignity" of the deported Indians.

Venugopal, in his adjournment motion, called for a discussion on the "ongoing abrupt deportations of illegal Indian immigrants by the US government."

The motion urged the Centre to clarify its stance and outline diplomatic efforts being made to ensure the dignified treatment of deported individuals.

"This crisis underscores the need for strong policies to prevent illegal migration and create structured legal avenues for those seeking employment abroad.

"There is an urgent need for intervention to dismantle human trafficking networks, provide financial and social reintegration support to deportees, and establish transparent migration frameworks to protect Indians from such predicaments in the future," Venugopal added.

Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, also submitted an adjournment motion, describing the deportations as "deeply distressing and humiliating."

Similarly, Congress whip Manickam Tagore sought a discussion on the "inhumane deportation of Indian nationals by the United States" and urged the government to take necessary steps to prevent their mistreatment abroad.

(With inputs from IANS)