US has deported over 4,800 Indians since 2025 as Trump admin steps up crackdown

The United States has deported over 4,800 Indian nationals since 2025, marking a sharp increase under the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement policies. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 3,567 Indians were deported in 2025 alone, with an additional 1,273 individuals removed between January and July of this year. These numbers represent the highest level of deportations from the U.S. to India in over a decade, surpassing even the record set in 2009, when 734 Indians were sent back. The surge in deportations follows a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants initiated shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office in late 2024. This policy shift has led to increased scrutiny of non-citizens residing in the U.S., particularly those without legal status. The Indian government has expressed concern over the treatment of deportees, especially after reports surfaced regarding the mistreatment of 73-year-old Harjit Kaur during her deportation last year and the use of restraints on women and children aboard a deportation flight in February 2025. These incidents prompted formal protests from India, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of deportees. Indian officials have been actively engaging with U.S. authorities to address concerns related to the welfare of Indian nationals being deported. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar previously stated that the Indian government is working with the U.S. to ensure that Indian citizens are not subjected to harsh conditions upon their return. This includes efforts to prevent the use of physical restraints on women and children during deportation flights. The ministry has also emphasized conducting thorough verification processes to confirm the nationality of individuals slated for deportation before facilitating their repatriation. In response to questions about a recent U.S. Senate bill that grants Trump the power to impose up to 100% tariffs on imports from countries like China and India, major buyers of Russian oil and gas, the Indian government has reiterated its stance on energy security. The ministry highlighted that India's approach to energy procurement is guided by national interests and the need to secure diverse energy sources to meet the demands of its large population. Officials noted ongoing discussions with U.S. stakeholders to navigate potential impacts of the proposed legislation on bilateral relations and trade dynamics. The U.S. Senate passed the bill with a vote of 86 to 12, clearing it for further consideration in the House of Representatives. If enacted, the measure could lead to substantial economic repercussions for countries heavily reliant on Russian energy exports, including India. The legislation encompasses a range of sanctions targeting Russian entities and individuals associated with the transportation of Russian oil, alongside measures aimed at curbing the flow of Russian energy to key markets. India has significantly increased its reliance on Russian crude following Western sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As one of the top two suppliers of energy to India, Russia plays a crucial role in meeting the nation's energy needs. However, the Trump administration has urged India to reduce its dependence on Russian oil, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape surrounding energy security and international trade relations.