New Delhi: The Indian government has officially taken up concerns with the United States regarding the treatment of Indian nationals deported from U.S. detention facilities, particularly emphasizing the need for religious sensitivity and humane handling during repatriation.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India has conveyed its concerns about ensuring that deportees’ religious beliefs and dietary preferences are respected. The U.S. authorities have responded, confirming that on the three recent deportation flights—February 5, 15, and 16—no deportee was forced to remove religious head coverings. Additionally, the only specific religious accommodation requested was for vegetarian meals, which was provided.
A key issue raised by India was the alleged use of restraints on deportees, particularly on women, during the February 5 flight. While the U.S. side has stated that no women or children were shackled on the subsequent flights of February 15 and 16, Indian officials have expressed strong objections to any inhumane treatment during deportation procedures. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also noted that some detainees had already arrived at the U.S. border without their turbans, but India has insisted on the need for greater sensitivity in handling such cases.
Upon arrival in India, deportees were interviewed by Indian authorities to verify their experiences, and officials are closely monitoring future deportations to ensure that protocols remain in line with humanitarian standards. The Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the U.S. administration, urging a more dignified approach in dealing with individuals being repatriated.
