Key Points:
MEA says 2,417 Indians deported from the US since January 2025.
MEA reiterates advice to travel abroad only through legal channels, warning of dangers of illegal methods
India working with US for humane treatment of deportees
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, 26 September 2025, confirmed that 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025, following action taken by American authorities against individuals who violated immigration rules.
In its weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the deportations were carried out in coordination with Indian authorities, and those returned were assisted on arrival. “From January till now, 2,417 Indians have been deported from the US. These are people who were staying there without proper documentation or had violated immigration laws,” Jaiswal stated. In May 2025, the number stood at 1080, according to an earlier MEA briefing.
He added that the Indian government is in constant touch with the US to ensure that the process respects humanitarian considerations. “We have mechanisms in place to receive deportees, provide them assistance, and ensure their rights are respected. We continue to engage with US authorities on these matters,” he said. On arrival in India, they undergo verification before being allowed to return to their home states. State authorities are informed, and in some cases, legal proceedings follow if fraud or misuse of documents is detected.
The spokesperson underscored that the government has repeatedly cautioned citizens against taking irregular routes to enter or remain in foreign countries. “Our consistent advice is: please travel only through legal channels. Do not fall prey to agents who promise illegal entry or residence abroad. These actions often lead to detention and deportation,” Jaiswal emphasized.
See Also: Trump administration plans to deport alleged murderer of Indian national in Texas
The deportations reflect ongoing challenges in managing irregular migration between India and the US. In recent years, the US has reported an increase in Indian nationals attempting to cross into its territory without valid visas or overstaying permits. Many of those deported are believed to have entered the country via Central America, using smuggling networks that charge high fees while exposing migrants to significant risks.
This year’s deportation numbers are considered significant, highlighting the scale of irregular migration. MEA officials said awareness campaigns are being strengthened to discourage people from undertaking unsafe journeys. “We are increasing outreach in states where incidents of irregular migration are higher. People must understand the consequences before making such attempts,” Jaiswal remarked.
The spokesperson also underlined India’s broader diplomatic engagement with the US on mobility issues. While both sides are working on expanding legal pathways for students and professionals, the MEA maintains that violations of immigration laws inevitably attract strict action.
In the briefing, Jaiswal also took questions on the NATO chief’s allegation of Modi making a phone call to Putin, Trump’s imposition of 100% tariff on pharma companies, Trump’s assertion to reclaim the Bagram airbase, Erdogan’s statement that the ‘Kashmir issue’ should be resolved by the UN, and the MEA’s recent travel advisory on Iran. [Rh/Eth/DS]
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