New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday affirmed that the Indian government is in discussions with the United States to ensure that deported Indians are treated humanely. This statement comes amid protests from the opposition over the mistreatment of 104 Indian nationals who were recently deported from the US.

During his address in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar emphasised that while the government is engaging with the US to prevent mistreatment during deportation, the primary focus should be on dismantling the illegal migration network. "Our focus should be on strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry, while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travellers," Jaishankar remarked.

Clarification on deportation procedures

Jaishankar also clarified that the deportation process is not new. The standard operating procedure for deportations by aircraft involves the use of restraints, although he specified that "women and children are not restrained." He further explained that deportees' needs, including food, medical emergencies, and toilet breaks, are attended to during the transit. "During toilet breaks, deportees are temporarily unrestrained if needed," he added. These procedures apply to both civilian chartered aircraft and military planes.

Jaishankar confirmed that there had been no changes to past deportation practices for the flight undertaken by the US on February 5, 2025. This particular deportation involved a US military aircraft that landed in Amritsar with 104 illegal Indian immigrants. The deportees, however, claimed that their hands and legs were shackled throughout the journey and were only unshackled after arriving in Amritsar.

With PTI inputs