Reports that Indian migrants deported from the United States in February 2025 were shackled throughout their flight sparked outrage in the South Asian nation, but a video and photo of cuffed individuals shared on social media were taken during earlier deportation flights.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes Indian PM Narendra Modi for not intervening with US President Donald Trump on the deportation of Indian migrants. Kharge accuses Modi of failing to leverage his relationship with Trump to address the inhumane treatment of Indian migrants deported on a cargo plane.

The Indian government has formally raised concerns with the US administration over the treatment of 104 alleged Indian immigrants who were deported on 5 February aboard a 42-hour US military flight, reported The Hindu.

Lawmakers and protestors were seen demonstrating outside India’s parliament following the deportation of around 100 Indian migrants back to the country from the US. Following footage released by the US Border Patrol showing migrants in shackles while boarding the plane before the 40-hour flight,

Most of the deportees said they were promised a smooth journey but instead found themselves in legal turmoil, enduring months of hardship and exploitation