'India, US Commit To Aggressively Tackle Illegal Immigration, Human Trafficking', Says Foreign Secretary Misri

Misri said that the two leaders discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their bilateral meeting. He said India has agreed to take back any of its citizens living illegally in any country.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefs the media regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the USA in Washington on February 14.

Source : PTI

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday said that India and US are committed to "aggressively" address and tackle illegal immigration and human trafficking. He also highlighted that both the nations are committed to take action against those who threaten public and diplomatic safety and security, and territorial integrity.

Misri was addressing a press briefing following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. The Foreign secretary also reaffirmed the commitment of both the leaders in streamlining legal mobility avenues for students, short-term visitors, and professionals, while addressing the issue of illegal immigration.

"India invited the US to take advantage of the reforms in the Indian education sector to set up offshore campuses of premier institutions of the US in India. They committed to streamlining avenues for the legal mobility of students and professionals and facilitating short-term tourist and business travel while also committing to aggressively addressing and tackling illegal immigration and human trafficking," Misri said.

PM Modi and Trump held extensive talks on defence, trade, technology, strategic and security cooperation, energy, and global concerns at the White House in Washington DC. 

PM Modi and President Trump have agreed to take "decisive" action on the issue of illegal immigrants. "There is a commitment from both sides to take decisive action against elements that threaten public and diplomatic safety and security, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations," the Foreign Secretary said.

Misri's statements come after over 100 Indian nationals from the US were deported in a military aircraft. A C-17 Globemaster landed at the Amritsar International Airport earlier this month carrying illegal Indian immigrants following Trump's orders. A massive uproar was triggered after Indians were deported in shackles. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that it is the obligation of all nations to take back their nationals if they are residing illegally in any country.  

Misri further spoke about the discussion between PM Modi and President Trump on the issue of illegal immigrants. He said: "As far as the issue of illegal immigration is concerned, it did figure during the discussions. During the discussions, PM Modi said that India has made its stand very clear that if there are illegal immigrants proven to be Indian citizens in any country abroad, we will take them back." 

He further revealed that PM Modi sought the cooperation of the United States to take action on the ecosystem which thrives on the illegal immigration and human trafficking racket. 

"He (PM Modi) did emphasize that the return of illegal immigrants is not the end of the story. There is an ecosystem that thrives on this racket...and it is the responsibility of both countries to do something about this. He sought the cooperation of the United States to find out more details about these rackets. If need be, through institutional cooperation between the law enforcement authorities and intelligence organizations of the two countries to try and do something about these ecosystems that enable this particular phenomenon," Misri said.

PM Modi has emplaned for India after his two-day official visit to the US where he held bilateral meeting with Donald Trump. Misro provided an overview of PM Modi's US visit and noted that he held discussions with notable figures, including Elon usk, newly confirmed US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Vivek Ramaswamy.