Even as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his efforts to strengthen ties with the US, Washington has taken a firm stance by deporting more undocumented Indian immigrants.

A total of 119 Indian nationals were deported from the US in shackles, sparking outrage in India.

One deportee, who returned on a separate military flight, claimed, “We were handcuffed throughout the journey, with leg irons restraining our movements.”

This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Previous groups of deported Indians also reported similar treatment, leading to a wave of anger in India.

The issue has triggered a heated debate on Indian social media and among opposition parties.

Many are questioning the harsh treatment of Indian nationals in the US, while others are slamming the Indian government’s diplomatic failure during Modi’s high-profile visit.

Among those deported, 65 were from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, 2 from Uttar Pradesh, and the rest from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Most of them are reported to be between 18 and 30 years old. One deportee, Daljit Singh, revealed to the media that he had attempted to enter the US via the dangerous and illegal “Dunki route” — a smuggling pathway used by human traffickers.

His wife alleged that a local agent deceived them, forcing him to take life-threatening risks instead of a direct route to the US.

With the controversy growing, pressure is mounting on the Indian government to address both the mistreatment of deportees and its failing immigration policies.