New Delhi: India has reaffirmed its commitment to repatriating its nationals who are residing illegally in foreign countries, following the United States’ intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that it would facilitate the return of Indian citizens overstaying or residing in foreign countries without proper documentation.
In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We oppose illegal immigration, especially as it is often linked to organized crime. For Indians, whether in the United States or any other country, if they are living there without valid documentation, we will bring them back, provided their documents are verified to confirm their Indian nationality.”
Jaiswal added that it was too early to discuss the exact number of Indians illegally staying in the U.S. or other countries. “At this point, discussing numbers is premature,” he stated.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, also made it clear that India is open to the lawful return of its citizens living illegally in the U.S. During a press conference in Washington, Jaishankar explained, “We have always maintained that if our citizens are living in a foreign country illegally, and we can confirm their Indian nationality, we are open to their legitimate return. This is not a stance exclusive to the U.S.”
Jaishankar further noted, “There is ongoing debate and sensitivity regarding the matter, but we have been consistent in our position, which I conveyed clearly to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”
The statement comes in the wake of President Trump’s re-election and his renewed efforts to curb illegal immigration. In his inaugural address, Trump declared, “All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens back to their countries.”
The Trump administration has already arrested over 500 illegal immigrants and deported hundreds, using military aircraft. According to a White House update, 538 arrests were made, and 373 detainers were lodged. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added, “President Trump is using all available executive powers to secure U.S. borders and send a clear message: Anyone thinking about illegally entering the U.S. will face consequences.”
