The United States has deported 205 illegal Indian immigrants aboard a military aircraft, marking the beginning of a large-scale repatriation effort under President Donald Trump’s administration. The C-17 military plane departed from San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to land in Amritsar, India. This move is part of Trump’s broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, which aims to deport millions residing unlawfully in the country. Trump has emphasized his administration’s commitment to enforcing strict immigration policies, stating that illegal immigrants are being identified, detained, and flown back to their home countries via military transport. This marks a significant shift in US immigration enforcement, with India being among the first nations to see large-scale deportations.
India has responded by reiterating its stance on accepting deported nationals after proper verification. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that while India does not endorse illegal migration, it will facilitate the return of verified citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also confirmed that necessary documentation will be checked before repatriation, ensuring that only Indian nationals are taken back. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that India is open to receiving its citizens who are found to be overstaying in foreign countries, provided proper verification procedures are followed. The Indian government’s stance aligns with its efforts to curb illegal migration and maintain diplomatic ties with the US.
The issue of illegal Indian immigrants in the US has been growing, with reports indicating that tens of thousands attempt to enter unlawfully each year, primarily through the northern border. Economic disparity remains a key driving force behind this migration, as the lowest per capita income in the US is significantly higher than that of India. Reports suggest that Indian migrants now account for a notable percentage of illegal border crossings, surpassing other Asian groups. As deportations continue, India and the US are expected to collaborate on further streamlining the repatriation process while addressing the underlying factors contributing to illegal immigration.
