More than 3,155 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States in 2025 up to November 21, the government informed Parliament on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan
Singh, in a written reply, said all deportation cases proceed only after an “unambiguous verification” of an individual’s Indian nationality.
Responding to a query on whether several Indians using the illegal “donkey route” to enter the US had recently been deported, Singh said the MEA does not maintain data on trafficking cases or the methods used to enter foreign countries. He added that most countries do not share detailed information on deported Indian nationals.
According to data placed before Parliament, deportations from the US have risen sharply over the last three years:
- 3,155 deported in 2025 (up to Nov 21)
- 1,368 in 2024
- 617 in 2023
The minister noted that individuals are typically deported by US authorities for illegal entry, overstaying visas, lacking valid documentation, or having criminal convictions. He said India works closely with the US government on these operations.
316 Indians in Kuwait Jails
In response to another question, Singh said 316 Indian nationals are currently imprisoned in Kuwait as of October 31, 2025, according to data shared by local authorities.
Hajj Pilgrim Numbers
The MEA also provided year-wise data on Indian Hajj pilgrims travelling through the Hajj Committee of India:
- 1,39,964 pilgrims in 2024
- 1,39,429 pilgrims in 2023
- 56,634 pilgrims in 2022
India Expands Diplomatic Presence
Highlighting efforts to strengthen India’s global footprint, Singh said one new Indian Mission was opened in Quito, Ecuador, during FY 2025, along with four new Consulates in Boston and Los Angeles (USA), and in Kazan and Yekaterinburg (Russia).
He added that the government opens missions based on strategic priorities, trade and investment potential, diaspora presence, multilateral outreach, and broader diplomatic objectives, all within available financial and human resources.
“The objective of our foreign policy is to build a conducive environment for India’s growth through partnerships with friendly nations,” Singh said.
