New Delhi: Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) staged a protest in the Indian Parliament over the deportation of Indian immigrants from the U.S., highlighting concerns about their alleged mistreatment. Prominent leaders, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed strong opposition to the way these deportations were carried out and criticized the Indian government for its silence on the issue.
The protest was triggered by the recent deportation of Indian immigrants from the U.S., in which 104 individuals were repatriated. Many deportees alleged that they were restrained with handcuffs and leg chains during the journey, calling the treatment degrading and inhumane. Opposition leaders have condemned the handling of these deportations, demanding that the government take a stand to protect the rights and dignity of Indian citizens abroad.
During the demonstration, opposition MPs displayed placards and symbolically wore handcuffs to protest against the reported mistreatment. Rahul Gandhi, addressing reporters, said, “The deportation of Indian immigrants from the U.S. raises serious concerns about human rights violations. It is shocking that the Indian government has remained silent while its citizens are subjected to such harsh treatment.”
Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the government has a responsibility to safeguard its citizens, whether at home or abroad. “The government must urgently engage with U.S. authorities to ensure that deportations are conducted in a dignified manner. This issue is about protecting the rights of every Indian,” he said.
As opposition MPs demanded a parliamentary debate on the matter, the proceedings were disrupted, leading to the Speaker briefly adjourning the House. The protests highlighted broader concerns about immigration policies and the treatment of deported individuals.
In response to the mounting criticism, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar addressed Parliament, stating that the government is in talks with U.S. officials to ensure future deportations are handled more humanely. “We have taken note of the concerns surrounding the deportation of Indian immigrants from the U.S. and have instructed our embassy in Washington to raise this issue at the highest levels,” Jaishankar said.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi also released a statement affirming that deportation procedures follow U.S. immigration laws and are conducted in compliance with international standards. “The United States enforces its immigration policies while respecting the dignity of individuals. We are in discussion with Indian officials regarding this matter,” a spokesperson said.
The protests and government response have brought renewed focus on the challenges faced by Indian immigrants who are deported from foreign countries. With immigration issues becoming a growing concern globally, opposition leaders have vowed to keep the pressure on the Indian government to ensure that citizens deported from any country are treated with dignity.
As discussions between India and the U.S. continue, opposition parties maintain that they will not back down until concrete measures are taken to prevent such alleged mistreatment in the future.
