Criticism mounts as the Indian government remains silent on the inhumane treatment of deported citizens, contrasting Colombia’s assertive response.
New Delhi, February 7, 2025 – Outrage has erupted across India after a video surfaced showing Indian nationals deported from the United States in shackles, restrained by handcuffs and foot bindings. The incident has not only sparked anger among citizens but has also raised serious concerns over the Indian government’s lack of objection to such degrading treatment, especially when smaller nations like Colombia have taken a firm stand against it.
The viral video, released by US Border Patrol, depicts Indian citizens being escorted onto a military aircraft, many of them struggling to walk due to the restraints. US authorities defended their actions, citing long-standing deportation protocols, but the visuals have led to widespread condemnation in India.
In a statement, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, referred to the history of deportations between India and the US, emphasizing that such methods have been in place for over a decade. However, his remarks have done little to pacify public outrage, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing diplomacy over the dignity of its citizens.
The stark contrast between India’s passive stance and Colombia’s decisive action has been a focal point of criticism. Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to accept deportations under such conditions, ensuring his citizens were returned with dignity. Opposition leaders in India have used this example to question the government’s foreign policy approach.
Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav lambasted the government during a parliamentary session, asking, "Is this the global respect we aspire to? If Colombia can defend its citizens, why can’t we?" Prominent journalist Ravish Kumar echoed this sentiment, calling for a stronger, more assertive foreign policy that defends Indian nationals’ dignity abroad.
Deportees, primarily from Punjab and Gujarat, shared harrowing accounts of their ordeal. Jaspreet Singh, one of the affected individuals, described being kept in shackles for over 40 hours with minimal access to food or restrooms. "We were treated like hardened criminals," he recounted. "Our only crime was seeking a better future."
The incident has also reignited debates on India’s failure to address the root causes of illegal migration. With hundreds of thousands of undocumented Indians in the US, critics argue that poor economic conditions and limited opportunities at home are pushing citizens to undertake perilous journeys abroad.
The government’s silence on the issue has become a rallying point for opposition parties, who are demanding an official apology and immediate reforms in India’s approach to deportation cases. Activists are also calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and assurances of better treatment for deported individuals in the future.
As public anger grows, the episode stands as a reminder of the challenges India faces in balancing diplomacy with the rights and dignity of its citizens. For many, the question remains: why can’t India stand up for its people on the global stage?
