Second Wave of 119 Deportees Set to Arrive in Amritsar on 15th and 16th Feb…….

Following the recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States, an additional 119 deported Indians are scheduled to arrive in Amritsar on February 15 and 16. This development comes amid heightened scrutiny and debate over the treatment of deportees and the broader implications for U.S.-India relations.

The previous deportation on February 5 involved Indian nationals being returned on a U.S. military aircraft, with reports indicating that the deportees were handcuffed and had their legs chained during the journey. This treatment has drawn significant criticism from opposition parties in India. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the manner of deportation as "unacceptable," while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue, emphasizing that "Indians deserve dignity and humanity, NOT handcuffs."

In response to the growing concerns, Prime Minister Modi stated during a recent press conference, "We have always said that those who are verified and are truly the citizens of India—if they live in the U.S. illegally, India is ready to take them back." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar downplayed the incident, noting that such deportations are not unprecedented.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also initiated investigations into approximately 4,300 Indians suspected of unlawfully immigrating to the U.S. between 2021 and 2024. This move underscores the Indian government's commitment to addressing illegal immigration while balancing diplomatic relations.

As the additional deportees prepare to arrive in Amritsar, the situation continues to spark discussions about immigration policies, human rights, and the evolving dynamics between India and the United States.