India to deport 16,000 foreign nationals involved in narcotics trafficking under new immigration law

The Indian government is planning to deport approximately 16,000 foreign nationals who have been implicated in narcotics trafficking, under the provisions of a newly strengthened immigration law, according to India Today report. 

The move follows a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which acted upon findings submitted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). 

Under the updated legislation, foreign nationals involved in serious drug-related offences will no longer enjoy the same protections or procedural leeway; deportations are to be processed more swiftly. 

Key features of the proposed policy include faster adjudication of these cases and enhanced cooperation with foreign authorities to facilitate repatriation. The law aims to tighten accountability, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure that those found guilty of drug-related crimes face deportation rather than prolonged legal or administrative limbo. 

Officials say the plan is still under active discussion and that further details — such as which countries are involved, the timeline for implementation, and safeguards for human rights — are being finalised.