New Delhi: A total of 205 Indian nationals, who had unlawfully entered the United States, have been repatriated aboard a US military aircraft that departed from Texas approximately six hours ago, according to sources cited by NDTV. These sources indicated that each deported individual has been verified, reflecting the involvement of New Delhi in the deportation proceedings. This event is anticipated to be the first of several flights aimed at returning illegal Indian immigrants from the US.
The repatriation is being conducted using a C-17 military aircraft. It is noteworthy that, unless equipped with an air-transportable galley, the C-17 typically accommodates only one restroom for 205 passengers.
This deportation aligns with US President Donald Trump’s stringent policies regarding illegal immigration. Previously, US military aircraft have facilitated the deportation of illegal immigrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
The initial wave of deportations of illegal Indian nationals coincides with reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US next week, marking his first trip since Trump assumed the presidency for a second term. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has previously stated that New Delhi is receptive to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals residing illegally abroad, including in the United States.
“For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came,” Trump remarked to reporters last month.
The US President has noted that Prime Minister Modi assured him that India “will do what’s right” regarding the repatriation of illegal Indian immigrants. A report from Bloomberg News indicates that India and the US have identified approximately 18,000 Indian migrants who entered the US unlawfully.
The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed India’s opposition to illegal immigration, citing its association with various forms of organized crime.
Indian nationals residing in the United States or elsewhere globally, who may be overstaying or lacking proper documentation, will be repatriated, contingent upon the submission of relevant documents that confirm their nationality as Indians. This was stated by ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing. He emphasized that upon verification of their status, the necessary arrangements will be made to facilitate their return to India.
In a related statement, a representative from the US Embassy in New Delhi remarked that the United States is actively enforcing its border policies, tightening immigration regulations, and deporting individuals residing illegally. The spokesperson conveyed that these measures serve as a definitive warning: the risks associated with illegal migration are not justified.
