The Indian Parliament erupted in uproar Thursday over the deportation of illegal migrants from the U.S., exacerbating tensions ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington.
U.S. Military Deportation Sparks Controversy in India Ahead of Modi's Visit
U.S. Military Deportation Sparks Controversy in India Ahead of Modi's Visit
Reports of mistreated deportees create political complications for Prime Minister Modi as he prepares for talks with President Trump.
On February 6, 2025, significant unrest unfolded at the Indian Parliament as lawmakers expressed their outrage over reports detailing the mistreatment of Indian migrants being deported from the United States. The migrants were reportedly subjected to inhumane conditions, including being shackled for over 40 hours during their repatriation on a U.S. military aircraft.
Typically, deportation cases involve commercial flights, but this military operation caught the attention of the Indian government as it raised serious concerns just days before Modi's scheduled trip to meet with President Trump. The Prime Minister, who has previously referred to Trump as a "dear friend," faces the challenge of managing diplomatic relations while addressing domestic discontent regarding the treatment of Indian citizens.
Media reports from local outlets highlighted the traumatic experiences of the deportees, with some claiming their rights were severely compromised, including restricted access to restrooms. A video released by the U.S. Border Patrol further fueled the controversy by showing deportees boarding the military plane in shackles, prompting criticism across various political factions in India.
While Indian officials had previously welcomed collaboration with the U.S. on repatriations, they had intended to do so without the damaging images and accusations that have plagued deportation processes in other countries, such as Brazil and Colombia. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on whether Modi can stabilize the situation ahead of his crucial diplomatic engagement in Washington.
Typically, deportation cases involve commercial flights, but this military operation caught the attention of the Indian government as it raised serious concerns just days before Modi's scheduled trip to meet with President Trump. The Prime Minister, who has previously referred to Trump as a "dear friend," faces the challenge of managing diplomatic relations while addressing domestic discontent regarding the treatment of Indian citizens.
Media reports from local outlets highlighted the traumatic experiences of the deportees, with some claiming their rights were severely compromised, including restricted access to restrooms. A video released by the U.S. Border Patrol further fueled the controversy by showing deportees boarding the military plane in shackles, prompting criticism across various political factions in India.
While Indian officials had previously welcomed collaboration with the U.S. on repatriations, they had intended to do so without the damaging images and accusations that have plagued deportation processes in other countries, such as Brazil and Colombia. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on whether Modi can stabilize the situation ahead of his crucial diplomatic engagement in Washington.
