Government confirms over 1,000 Indians nationals deported from US in 2026

The Indian Government has confirmed that 1,076 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States to India so far in 2026, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the two countries to address illegal migration while safeguarding lawful travel.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing on Friday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the deportations are part of regular immigration enforcement by US authorities. He also noted that 3,567 Indian citizens were deported during 2025, reflecting the continued crackdown on undocumented migrants.

The United States has intensified its efforts to curb illegal immigration as part of stricter border and immigration policies introduced after President Donald Trump assumed office last year. These measures have led to increased deportations of undocumented migrants from several countries, including India.

According to official data shared by the Indian Government, the number of deportations recorded in 2025 was the highest in the past 16 years. Earlier figures show that 734 Indians were deported in 2009, with the number rising to 1,303 in 2016 and 2,042 in 2019, before reaching a record level last year.

Jaiswal said India and the United States remain in close coordination on matters related to deportation, migration, and mobility. He emphasized that both Governments are committed to preventing illegal migration while ensuring that legal avenues for travel, education, employment, and family reunification are not disrupted.

The issue of the treatment of deported Indian nationals has also remained a priority for the Indian Government. In December last year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that New Delhi had engaged with US authorities to ensure deportees are treated with dignity. India specifically requested that women and children should not be restrained with handcuffs or chains during deportation flights.

These concerns gained prominence after reports emerged of the alleged mistreatment of 73-year-old Harjit Kaur during her deportation in 2025. Separately, the use of restraints on women and children aboard a deportation flight in February last year sparked widespread criticism, prompting India to lodge a formal protest with the US Government.

Despite these concerns, both countries continue to work together on immigration-related issues, focusing on stronger cooperation to combat illegal migration while maintaining smooth and lawful movement of people between India and the United States.