US Deports Record Number of Indians, Raising Concerns Over Maltreatment
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Rajya Sabha that the US deported 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025, the highest since 2009, with concerns raised over alleged maltreatment.
Photo by Fernando Gago
Quick Revision
3,258 Indian nationals deported by US in 2025, highest since 2009
Total 18,822 Indian nationals deported since 2009
73-year-old Harjit Kaur allegedly maltreated during detention
India raised maltreatment concerns with American Embassy
US asked student visa applicants to switch social media settings from private to public
Key Dates
Key Numbers
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Exam Angles
International Relations: Bilateral ties between India and US, diplomatic mechanisms, diaspora diplomacy.
Governance: Role of Ministry of External Affairs in protecting citizens abroad, immigration policies.
Social Issues: Challenges faced by migrants, human rights concerns in detention and deportation.
International Law: Principles of sovereign borders, human rights conventions, consular access.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently informed the Rajya Sabha that the United States deported 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025, marking the highest figure since 2009. This significant number highlights ongoing issues related to immigration and the treatment of Indian citizens abroad.
The Minister also addressed specific allegations of maltreatment, confirming that while a 73-year-old deportee, Harjit Kaur, was not handcuffed, she reportedly faced ill-treatment during detention. India has strongly raised these concerns with the American Embassy. Jaishankar also mentioned that the US has asked student visa applicants to make their social media settings public for scrutiny, indicating a stricter approach to immigration and visa policies.
This situation underscores the complexities of international migration, the sovereign right of nations to control their borders, and the diplomatic efforts required to ensure the humane treatment of citizens abroad.
Background
The issue of Indian nationals being deported from various countries, particularly Western nations, is not new. Economic opportunities, family reunification, and educational pursuits drive significant Indian migration globally.
However, stricter immigration policies, visa overstays, and violations of immigration laws often lead to deportations. Historically, India has engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure the welfare and humane treatment of its diaspora abroad, a key pillar of its foreign policy.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the recent deportations of Indian nationals from the United States, consider the following statements: 1. The number of Indian nationals deported by the US in 2025 is the highest recorded since 2009. 2. The External Affairs Minister confirmed that all deportees, including a 73-year-old woman, were handcuffed during detention. 3. The US has recently mandated that all student visa applicants must make their social media settings public for scrutiny. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as per the news, stating 3,258 deportations in 2025, the highest since 2009. Statement 2 is incorrect; the news explicitly mentions that the 73-year-old deportee, Harjit Kaur, was *not* handcuffed, though she reportedly faced ill-treatment. Statement 3 is correct, as the news mentions the US asking student visa applicants to make their social media settings public. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
2. In the context of international migration and the treatment of citizens abroad, which of the following international instruments or principles is/are most relevant to addressing concerns of maltreatment during detention and deportation? 1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 2. Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 3. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 4. Principle of Non-refoulement Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1, 2 and 3 only
- C.3 and 4 only
- D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: D
All four options are highly relevant. The UDHR sets out fundamental human rights, applicable to all individuals regardless of their immigration status. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations ensures consular access to detained foreign nationals, allowing their home country to monitor their welfare. The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families specifically addresses the rights of migrants, including during detention and deportation. The Principle of Non-refoulement, though primarily associated with refugees, is a customary international law principle prohibiting the return of individuals to a country where they would face persecution, and its spirit often extends to general humane treatment in deportation processes.
3. Consider the following statements regarding India's approach to its diaspora and international relations: 1. India's 'Look East Policy' primarily focuses on economic engagement with Southeast Asian nations, excluding diaspora welfare. 2. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry responsible for the welfare of Indian citizens abroad. 3. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated annually to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is incorrect. While the 'Look East Policy' (now Act East Policy) focuses on economic engagement, it also encompasses strategic and cultural ties, and implicitly includes the welfare of the Indian diaspora in those regions as part of broader engagement. Statement 2 is correct; the MEA is indeed the nodal ministry for diaspora affairs and welfare of Indians abroad. Statement 3 is correct; Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of the overseas Indian community to India's development and to foster stronger ties.