National Desk
14 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern on Tuesday over the mistreatment of Indians deported from the United States. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not intervening and asking his “old friend” US President Donald Trump to ensure a dignified return for the migrants.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, Kharge said, “If Modi and Trump are such close friends, why didn’t Modi request Trump to avoid sending Indians back in handcuffs?” He accused the Modi government of failing to protect the dignity of deported citizens.
Kharge also claimed that Modi was not initially invited to the US and that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had to make arrangements for an official invitation. “Modi speaks with confidence, but he also has a habit of making false claims,” he said, adding that the so-called friendship between Modi and Trump was merely for show.
The Congress leader further alleged that the Indian government did not arrange a special flight to bring back the deported individuals, nor did Modi ask the US to send them by passenger planes. He said this lack of effort exposed the reality behind Modi’s claims of a strong friendship with Trump.
Modi is scheduled to visit the US for two days starting Wednesday, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Trump. Kharge said the Indian government should focus on safeguarding the interests and dignity of Indian citizens abroad rather than making diplomatic claims that do not translate into action.
The issue of deported migrants has sparked political debate, with the opposition accusing the Modi government of neglecting the rights of Indians facing difficulties overseas.