The first batch of 104 people deported from the United States for attempting to immigrate illegally arrived in India on February 5. The fact that all deportees, including women and children, were tied up caused an uproar not only in Parliament but across the country. Opposition parties strongly protested, calling it an insult to the people of India.
Countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico have also expressed strong opposition to their citizens being deported in handcuffs. These nations, claiming that a US Air Force plane entering their territory violated their sovereignty, have arranged special flights to bring their citizens back.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar explained in the Rajya Sabha that it is common practice for deportees to have their hands and feet tied, except for women and children. He assured that India would work with the US government to ensure that deportees do not face humiliating conditions.
This raised concerns about whether Indians deported in the next phase would also be tied up. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi returning from a state visit to the US, many expected that he would have discussed this issue with President Donald Trump and taken steps to prevent such treatment.
However, in the second phase, 116 Indians deported from the United States arrived in Amritsar on a military plane, once again with their hands and feet tied during the 20-hour journey.
Following this, a third military plane arrived at Amritsar airport at around 10 PM the night before yesterday, carrying 112 deported Indians. Except for children and women, all were restrained.
By continuing this practice, it appears that the US has ignored India's request. Even after Prime Minister Modi’s visit and discussions with President Trump, Indians are questioning why this mistreatment continues.
Shouldn’t India have at least sent planes to bring back deportees, as Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico did? Will the US's continued humiliation of Indians ever stop? These concerns weigh heavily on the minds of many Indians.
Did India formally request the US to send its own planes? Was the request rejected, or did India not take further action? The full answer remains unclear.
If a debate were held on the topic, "In today's world, is it a matter of pride or humiliation for India to call America an ally?", the only possible verdict would be humiliation.