We verify nationality before facilitating return of deportees: MEA continues cooperation on US deportations
New Delhi, July 31
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday underlined its protocol on handling deportation cases, saying it works closely with foreign governments while ensuring proper verification of nationality.
Speaking at the MEA's bi-weekly press conference, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India receives references from other countries regarding individuals to be deported and then carries out its own checks.
"We continue to work with several foreign governments on deportation issues... we do conduct due diligence on our side to confirm the nationality of the person concerned," Jaiswal said. According to him, facilitation for travel or return to India happens only after the ministry is fully convinced of the person's Indian nationality.
Sharing the figures for the United States, he said, "The total number of Indians deported from the United States to India in 2026--which means from 1st January till date--is 1273. In 2025, a total of 3,567 Indian nationals were deported from the United States."
He also reaffirmed that national interests and the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens remain paramount. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday addressed concerns surrounding a recently advanced US Senate sanctions bill aimed at penalising major importers of Russian oil.
Jaiswal clarified that New Delhi is actively monitoring the legislative developments in Washington while maintaining a steadfast approach to its energy procurement policy.
"Let me say that we are aware of this development and we are closely monitoring the situation. As you know very well, our position on energy security has been clarified and very well articulated on several occasions," Jaiswal said.
He said India's energy policy continues to prioritise securing reliable, uninterrupted, and affordable energy for India's domestic population, adding that India's strategy relies on sourcing energy from multiple global partners, explicitly including imports from the United States alongside other international sources.
His remarks come as the legislative measure, titled the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, was cleared by the US Senate on Tuesday with an 86-12 vote.
The substantial bipartisan endorsement highlighted continued support for Ukraine alongside a tribute to Graham, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month.
Under the current draft, the US president is empowered to levy tariffs reaching up to 100 per cent against the top five importers of Russian energy, as well as nations assisting Moscow in circumventing sanctions.
The provision predominantly affects China, India, and other nations, while additionally placing a provision to put a 500 per cent tariff on all Russian imports into the US.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Russia sanctions thing is the bigger story here. America wants to penalize countries buying Russian oil, but India has 1.4 billion people to feed and fuel! We can't just abandon energy sources that make sense for our economy. The US imports from us too... maybe they should think about that before imposing 100% tariffs. Makes you wonder about their real intentions.
The numbers on deportations are actually quite small compared to the total Indian diaspora in the US. But still, 3500+ in 2025 and 1273 already this year... These are people's lives being disrupted. I wish our government would do more to educate people about visa regulations before they go, rather than just processing their returns after things go wrong. Prevention is better than cure, yaar.
As someone who's watched US-India relations evolve over decades, this is textbook diplomacy. India's stance on Russian oil is driven by practical energy security needs, not ideology. The MEA's claim that India sources from multiple partners including the US is accurate - America needs to recognize India's strategic autonomy. Punitive tariffs will only strain a vital partnership.
What about the people who are being deported? Many of them left India seeking better opportunities and ended up in difficult situations. The government should ensure they're not just dumped back without any support or reintegration programs. Also, hopefully MEA is working to reduce processing times for genuine visa cases so people don't feel forced to take risky routes.
The sanctions bill passing 86-12 shows how much political capital supporting Ukraine still holds in Washington
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