‘India Against Illegal Immigration, Will Facilitate Return Of Verified Citizens’: MEA On US Deportations

India committed to facilitating the return of Indian nationals residing illegally abroad depending upon verification of nationality amid the US's crackdown with mass deportations.

File Photo of MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal

Source : PTI

India on Friday reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirming that it will facilitate the return of Indian nationals found residing illegally abroad, provided their nationality is verified. The statement comes amid a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants by US authorities following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term.  

"We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime. For Indians, not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back provided documents are shared with us, so that we can verify their nationality, that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, then we will take things forward. We'll facilitate their return to India," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly briefing.  

He also spoke about the bilateral ties between the two nations emphasising, "India-US relationship is very strong, multifaceted and the economic ties are something which is very special...We have established mechanisms between the US and India to discuss any matter or trade matters or matters related to trade...Our approach has always been to address issues in a constructive manner which is in keeping with the interests of both countries...We remain in close communication with the US administration..."

US authorities have arrested 538 migrants and deported hundreds in a large-scale operation, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

"The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals," Leavitt wrote in a post on X, adding that "hundreds" had been deported using military aircraft.  

She further described the ongoing operations as "the largest massive deportation operation in history," stating, "Promises made. Promises kept."  

During his campaign, Trump had pledged to take strict measures against illegal immigration, a promise he swiftly acted upon in his second term with a series of executive orders reforming US entry policies.  

MEA On India-Bangladesh Border Security

Addressing border security with Bangladesh, Jaiswal emphasised the importance of implementing agreements between the two nations to prevent cross-border crimes.  

"There have been many agreements between India and Bangladesh to fence the border. Fencing the border is necessary so that crime-related incidents can be prevented... We want that the agreements made with Bangladesh to fence the border should also be positively implemented with us... The fencing being done on both sides of the border is being done as per the agreements made between the two countries," he stated.