In a significant humanitarian and diplomatic operation, India repatriated 197 of its nationals from Mae Sot, Thailand, through two special Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J flights. The deportees were detained by Thai authorities after illegally crossing from Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they were allegedly forced to work in cyber scam centers.
🔹 Background of the Operation
The rescued Indians are among hundreds who were lured to KK Park and surrounding scam hubs in Myanmar with fake job offers. Many were coerced into online fraud operations targeting victims worldwide, with losses estimated at over $2 billion globally in 2024.
Earlier this year, in March 2025, India had successfully brought back 549 nationals from similar scam centers. More recently, the Embassy of India in Bangkok coordinated another operation to repatriate 270 citizens, including 26 women, detained in Mae Sot under Thai immigration laws.
🔹 High-Level Coordination and Diplomatic Effort
The repatriation was overseen by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who personally visited Mae Sot to monitor the process. He met Indian Ambassador Nagesh Singh and praised India’s swift action and coordination. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to combating transnational crimes, including cyber scams, trafficking, and illegal recruitment networks.
The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were deployed for the operation, marking another successful example of inter-agency cooperation among the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Air Force, and Indian Embassies in Thailand and Myanmar.
> “The presence of the Thai Prime Minister during the evacuation reflects the gravity of this issue and underscores its global significance,” a government statement noted.
🔹 Embassy Support and Bilateral Cooperation
The Embassy of India in Bangkok and the Consulate in Chiang Mai worked in close coordination with the Royal Thai Government to ensure a smooth repatriation process. Both nations reiterated their resolve to enhance regional cooperation in combating cyber fraud syndicates and human trafficking rings operating from the Myanmar-Thailand border.
🔹 Advisory for Indian Citizens
The Government of India has urged citizens to remain vigilant while accepting overseas job offers. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that:
All job offers abroad should be verified through proper channels.
The antecedents of recruiting agents and companies must be checked before travel.
The visa-free entry to Thailand for Indian passport holders is strictly for tourism and short business visits, not for employment purposes.
🔹 Cyber Diplomacy and Global Concern
This operation marks a major milestone in India’s Cyber Diplomacy, showcasing how international cooperation and quick coordination between agencies can address 21st-century crimes like cyber trafficking and forced online fraud.
As Indian authorities continue investigations, returning nationals will undergo screening and inquiry to determine their level of involvement, if any, in cyber fraud activities.
The swift evacuation from Mae Sot represents India’s firm commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while strengthening diplomatic cooperation to dismantle global cyber scam networks. It also highlights the emerging regional consensus to treat cybercrime and human trafficking as intertwined global challenges requiring joint action.
