The use of a U.S. military plane for the deportation marked a shift in procedure, as the Trump administration had previously relied on commercial and chartered flights for such actions. This new method of using military planes drew attention due to the reports of the shackling, particularly because it involved long periods of restraint.

Indian lawmakers, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, called the treatment inhumane, displaying placards and chanting slogans in Parliament. They demanded an explanation from the Indian government and called for dignity and humane treatment for the deportees. Gandhi posted on social media, emphasizing that Indians deserved better than handcuffs.

In response, India's External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, stated that the U.S. regulations on restraints had been in place since 2012. He clarified that women and children were not restrained and that the procedures used during the flight were consistent with past practices. Jaishankar also highlighted that India’s focus should be on addressing the issue of illegal migration, which has led to an uptick in arrests along the U.S.-Canada border, particularly among migrants from Punjab and Gujarat.

Despite the protests, the Indian government has maintained that while it opposes illegal immigration, it does not object to the deportations. The controversy continues, particularly with Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington, where discussions on immigration are expected to continue.