India repatriates over 1,600 nationals from Southeast Asia amid cyber trafficking concerns

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Lok Sabha on Friday, highlighting the government’s serious approach to combating cyber crime trafficking of Indian nationals to Southeast Asian countries.

In a significant update during Question Hour, Jaishankar revealed that 650 Indians have been repatriated from Cambodia, 415 from Myanmar, and 548 from Laos.

In response to a query on cyber trafficking raised by Congress MP from Attingal, Adoor Prakash, Jaishankar said that the Indian government has raised this issue with concerned governments at the political level.

EAM said, “We take this very very seriously. We have taken it up with all the concerned governments at a political level.”

Jaishankar also outlined the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal recruiting agencies. He mentioned that agents found in violation of rules would be barred from continuing their operations, with prosecution initiated where evidence of criminality exists.

The minister differentiated between cases in Russia, which are being investigated by the CBI, and those in Southeast Asia related to cyber crimes. For the latter, state governments have been asked to initiate prosecution against agents where information is available.

Earlier in July, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Prime Minister of Laos. During their meeting, Jaishanakar had taken up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres. He also discussed the relief and rescue of Indians with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.

In a post on X, he had said, “During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers. Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens. Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand