On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reassured the nation that the Indian government is keeping a close watch on the welfare of Indian students, especially those in areas experiencing conflict or unrest. He stressed that ensuring their safety and well-being remains a top priority for the government.

In the Rajya Sabha, citing concerns, Jaishankar stated, “The welfare of students is something very close to the government’s heart.” He further described the government’s active monitoring of Indian students who are abroad, specifically in those parts where any dispute or violence can create a life-threatening incident for them. “If needed, we remain prepared to run flights for their evacuation,” he also said.

The Minister stated that the government keeps a comprehensive record of Indian students worldwide and closely monitors their well-being. “Wherever there is a situation of tension or the likelihood of violence, we alert students, as we did in Ukraine,” Jaishankar mentioned. Jaishankar further stressed that the authorities are always ready to take further action if needed, including organising rescue flights. 

Jaishankar also said that clear instructions have been given to embassies and ambassadors to prioritise student’s safety. “All embassies and ambassadors have been told to take a special interest in the welfare of students, depending on the situation,” he expressed. “We have been very sympathetic and very responsive in these matters. Every embassy today is very proactive in ensuring the safety and security of Indian students.” 

In his Rajya Sabha address, Jaishankar raised several issues concerning the deportation of Indians from the United States. He addressed the Honourable Members, saying it is well-known that people exchange form the foundation of India's growing relationship with the United States. In fact, more than in any other partnership, the movement and migration have played a crucial role in improving the quality of the bond. He said the House agrees with the Government that promoting legal migration and preventing illegal movement is in the collective best interest.

Illegal migration is often linked to other illicit activities, and those who fall into such movements can become victims of further crimes. These individuals are forced to travel and work under dreadful conditions. Sadly, there have been instances of fatalities during illegal migration attempts. Those who have returned have shared their painful and distressing experiences.

He mentioned that it is the responsibility of every country to repatriate its citizens if they are found to be living illegally in another country, provided their nationality is undoubtedly verified. This is not a policy directed at any particular nation, nor is it exclusive to India. It is a widely recognised principle in international relations. 

Further, he said, it is important to note that the deportation process is not new; it has been happening for several years. He provided the House with details regarding deportations from the United States since 2009.  

As per the information he gave to the Rajya Sabha, since 2009, deportations from the United States have varied yearly; in 2009, there were 734 deportations, followed by 799 in 2010. The numbers dropped to 597 in 2011 and 530 in 2012 before rising to 515 in 2013 and 591 in 2014. Deportations increased to 708 in 2015 and 1,303 in 2016. 2017, the number was 1,024, rising to 1,180 in 2018 and 2,042 in 2019. The figure dropped to 1,889 in 2020, then decreased to 805 in 2021 and 862 in 2022. In 2023, 617 deportations were recorded; in 2024, the deportation was 1368. But by February 5, 2025, there had been 104 deportations.

Deportations by the United States are managed and carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the Standard Operating Procedure for deportations by aircraft, which has been in effect since 2012, restraints are typically used. However, ICE has informed that women and children are not restrained during transit.

Additionally, the needs of deportees, including food, other necessities, and any potential medical emergencies, are taken care of during the flight. If a deportee requires a toilet break, they are temporarily unrestrained when necessary. This policy applies to both chartered civilian flights and military aircraft. There has been no change in the procedure for the flight conducted by the US on February 5, 2025.

He said MEA is actively working with the US Government to ensure deportees are treated fairly and respectfully during their return flights. Indeed, the House needs to understand that the priority is to take decisive action against the illegal migration network while making it easier for legitimate travellers to obtain visas. Based on information from returning deportees regarding the agents and others involved, law enforcement will take appropriate and decisive actions to prevent such activities and set an example.

The minister's remarks come at a time of rising global tensions, especially in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict in West Asia, characterised by violent confrontations and political unrest, has sparked concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Indian students. At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine war, approaching its third anniversary on February 24, 2025, has further heightened worries about students in conflict-affected areas.

The minister's remarks come at a time of rising global tensions, especially in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict in West Asia, characterised by violent confrontations and political unrest, has sparked concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Indian students. At the same time, the Russia-Ukraine war, approaching its third anniversary on February 24, 2025, has further heightened worries about students in conflict-affected areas.