The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated in parliament that Indian asylum seekers applying to foreign governments undermine the nation and society to secure personal benefits amid the rise of Indians seeking asylum in the United States.
The MEA’s response, presented in the Rajya Sabha, was prompted by a question from MP Kapil Sibal. Citing the 2023 Asylees Annual Flow Report published by the US Department of Homeland Security in October, the ministry noted that 41,030 Indians applied for asylum in the US last year. This represents an 855 per cent increase in applications from Indian nationals over the past three years.
In its statement, the MEA criticised asylum seekers for their approach, asserting that India, as a democratic country, provides lawful avenues for addressing grievances. "The Government of India believes asylum seekers, while applying for asylum to a foreign government, denigrate the nation and society to obtain personal gains despite the fact that India, being a democratic country, provides avenues for everyone to redress their grievances lawfully,” the MEA remarked.
The US Homeland Security report defines a refugee, a prerequisite for asylum seekers, as an individual unable or unwilling to return to their country of nationality due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
The report also highlights a stark rise in asylum applications from Indians, indicating a growing trend. In addition to the 41,000 applications in 2022, the report observed a significant surge in the last three years, suggesting an increase in individuals citing fears of persecution or socio-political challenges as grounds for leaving India.