India Addresses Deportation Controversy with US

India is set to address the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, a move that has sparked significant controversy due to the use of shackles and a military aircraft. Indian opposition parties and the Indian Overseas Congress have condemned the treatment as undignified, arguing that the deportees were not criminals but victims of challenging circumstances. The Union government defends the deportation, stating it is a long-standing international practice since 2012, and that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) follows standard procedures, including the use of restraints. The incident has drawn criticism over the apparent lack of diplomatic leverage by the Indian government and calls for more humane repatriation methods. The US Border Patrol's release of a video showing the shackling has further fueled outrage, with opposition leaders demanding accountability from the Indian government. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the deportation process is not new and that the government is in talks with the US to ensure deportees are treated with dignity.