Responding to calls for empowering state governments to prosecute illegal recruiters, Jaishankar assured that the Centre processes such sanctions proactively and promised to review Kerala-specific cases
A heated discussion unfolded in the Rajya Sabha after concerns were raised over the alleged mistreatment of Indian nationals deported from the United States. The issue resurfaced when Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman referred to the case of 73-year-old Harjeet Kaur, claiming she had been deported in handcuffs and subjected to harsh treatment.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar addressed the House with a detailed clarification. He confirmed that the government had examined Kaur’s case thoroughly. According to Jaishankar, Kaur’s own lawyer stated on record that she was not handcuffed, despite one officer briefly considering it before another stopped him due to her advanced age. However, he acknowledged that Kaur had indeed been mistreated during her detention period prior to deportation.
- The Minister noted that immigration officials routinely interview deportees upon arrival, and in this case, they confirmed the absence of handcuffs but verified the maltreatment claim
- India issued a formal note verbale to the US Embassy on September 26, expressing strong concern and urging a full investigation
The debate extended beyond a single case. Suman and other MPs highlighted the rising influence of illegal travel agents who promise risky and exploitative passage abroad. Jaishankar responded with updates on national efforts to curb human trafficking: the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has investigated 27 cases, arrested major traffickers in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, and supported state-level crackdowns. Punjab alone has registered 25 FIRs against 58 illegal agents.
Kerala MP Haris Beeran raised concerns about the difficulties faced even by legal travellers, pointing out recent US visa cancellations affecting nearly 6,000 Indian students. He attributed many revocations to students’ social media activity. Jaishankar explained that US policy changes since April 2025 have led to stricter scrutiny, including requirements for applicants to keep social media profiles public. While Indian missions intervened in individual cases, he reiterated that visa decisions remain sovereign.
