India remains on Tier 2 in 2025 US Trafficking in Persons Report

HYDERABAD: India continues to fall short of the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking but has shown significant efforts to address the issue, according to the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US Department of State. The report places India on Tier 2, meaning the government is making substantial efforts but does not fully comply with global anti-trafficking norms.

Report notes progress in funding and awareness

The report cited India’s increase in funding for specialised courts handling crimes against children, expansion of awareness campaigns, and repatriation of Indian nationals trafficked to Southeast Asia. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) was praised for identifying more victims and revising its standard operating procedures for victim referral. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also issued advisories to improve coordination among states and prevent the prosecution of foreign victims for immigration violations arising from trafficking.

Key shortcomings in coordination and victim services

Despite these efforts, the report criticised the absence of a national inter-ministerial coordination committee, inconsistent victim identification processes, and insufficient shelters, particularly for male survivors. It highlighted poor inter-state coordination, especially in bonded labour cases, and delays in awarding compensation under central government schemes. Courts, the report said, rarely awarded restitution, while victims often waited years for compensation.

Law enforcement’s continued misclassification of trafficking cases, especially those involving bonded labour, and limited accountability for complicit officials contributed to what the report described as a “perception of widespread impunity”.

Penal code gaps and bonded labour concerns

Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code in July 2024, was noted for criminalising exploitation but failing to explicitly address labour trafficking. Moreover, the provision requires proof of “force, fraud, or coercion” even for child sex trafficking, inconsistent with international law.

Bonded labour remains widespread, with many victims trapped in exploitative conditions in sectors such as brick kilns, agriculture, and textiles. The report said government efforts to eliminate bonded labour by 2030 are not on track.

Trafficking trends and new vulnerabilities

The report found that traffickers continue to exploit victims in forced labour and sex trafficking, often using technology and social media platforms to lure victims. Millions remain in bonded labour, with migrant workers and scheduled castes and group being most vulnerable.

The report also noted that traffickers are increasingly targeting Indians for online scam operations in Southeast Asia and are linking cases of fraudulent recruitment to foreign conflict zones, including the Russia–Ukraine war.

Government urged to act decisively

While recognising India’s continued engagement on anti-trafficking initiatives, the report concluded that “greater coordination, transparency in prosecution data, and stronger victim-centred care” are essential to achieve measurable progress.