Shashi Tharoor calls U.S. deportation of Indian migrants an insult to India, criticizing the treatment of deported Indians

Tharoor Condemns U.S. Deportation of Indian Migrants as "National Insult," Demands Dignified Treatment

Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned the recent deportation of Indian migrants by the United States, calling it an "insult to India" and demanding more dignified treatment for affected citizens. The Congress leader and former diplomat expressed outrage over reports that deported Indians faced harsh conditions including detention in overcrowded facilities and confiscation of personal belongings during the process.

Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, Tharoor stated, "Sending back our citizens in chains, stripping them of their dignity, and treating them like criminals is unacceptable. If there are visa violations, due process must be followed - but humiliation is not procedure." His comments come amid disturbing accounts from deportees who described being held for weeks in detention centers with limited consular access before being flown back to India, often without passports or proper documentation.

The Indian government has acknowledged the issue, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirming the ministry is "looking into the matter." However, Tharoor argued for a more robust diplomatic response, emphasizing that India cannot allow its citizens to be treated as second-class individuals. The controversy has sparked widespread public outrage, with social media campaigns like #RespectIndianMigrants gaining traction as users share stories of workers who lost jobs, savings and family connections due to abrupt deportations.

While U.S. authorities maintain the deportations are based on immigration violations, critics argue the aggressive enforcement contradicts the Biden administration's promises of fairer policies. The issue has potential implications for India-U.S. relations at a time when the two nations are seeking stronger economic and strategic cooperation. Tharoor urged the Indian government to negotiate better repatriation protocols, pointing out that India itself deports foreigners humanely and should expect the same treatment for its citizens abroad.

The debate has brought migrant rights back into focus, with activists calling for legal aid and rehabilitation programs for affected families. As India's global stature grows, the incident raises important questions about how the nation should protect its citizens overseas and ensure their basic dignity is respected, regardless of immigration status.