Expresses Concern Over Handcuffed Indian Migrants, Cites Devyani Khobragade Case as Example of Past Retaliation
New Delhi, February 5: Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Wednesday expressed deep concern over images of Indian migrants being “handcuffed and humiliated” while being deported from the United States. His remarks follow reports that the US is using military planes to deport migrants to India.
Taking to X, Khera recalled India’s firm response under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2013 when Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was allegedly “handcuffed and strip-searched” in the US. He highlighted how the Indian government at the time, led by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, took strong diplomatic measures, including withdrawing perks given to the US embassy and launching tax investigations.
“Saddened as an Indian”: Khera on US Deportation of Migrants
“Looking at the pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated while being deported from the US saddens me as an Indian,” Khera wrote in his post on X.
Recalling the Devyani Khobragade case, he said, “In December 2013, Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade was handcuffed and strip-searched in America. Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh registered a strong protest with US Ambassador Nancy Powell.”
He further highlighted the UPA government’s strong retaliation:
- Top Congress leaders refused to meet the US Congressional delegation – including Meira Kumar, Rahul Gandhi, and Sushil Kumar Shinde.
- PM Manmohan Singh condemned the US action as “deplorable.”
- India withdrew concessions given to US embassy staff, including tax exemptions on imported food and alcohol.
- The Income Tax Department launched an investigation into the American Embassy School.
- Then-US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed regret over Khobragade’s treatment.
US Embassy Defends Deportations, Calls It a “Clear Message”
Following reports of US military planes deporting migrants to India, a US Embassy spokesperson on Tuesday defended the move, emphasizing strict enforcement of immigration laws.
“I have received a number of inquiries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can’t share any details, but I can confirm that the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” the spokesperson said.
MEA: India Will Facilitate Return of Overstaying Citizens
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its stance on illegal immigration, affirming that India will facilitate the return of any Indian national residing without documentation abroad.
“We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a briefing on January 24.
“For Indians, not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are overstaying or residing without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided their nationality is verified,” Jaiswal added.
US Deports Indian Migrants Using Military Aircraft
According to Reuters, the US military recently deported Indian migrants using aircraft, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration. Previously, similar flights have transported migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
As the controversy unfolds, Khera’s remarks bring renewed focus on diplomatic ties between India and the US, raising questions on how India will respond to these latest deportation measures.