(Image source from: AFP)
Earlier today, a US military aircraft departed from Texas carrying 205 Indian nationals who had entered the United States unlawfully. Sources report that each individual being deported has been verified, indicating cooperation from the Indian government in the expulsion process. This flight marks what is expected to be the initial operation among several that will repatriate undocumented Indian immigrants back to their homeland. The C-17 military plane used for this purpose includes a single restroom for its passengers, a notable detail given the large number onboard, unless it is equipped with a mobile galley. This action aligns with US President Donald Trump's stringent approach towards illegal immigration. Previous flights of US military aircraft have also deported undocumented migrants to countries such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
The initiation of deportations occurs amid news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the US next week, which will be his first since Trump was re-elected. Earlier comments from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that India remains open to the "legitimate return" of its nationals who are living illegally overseas, particularly in the US. Trump mentioned to the media last month that this marks a historic shift, stating, "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." He further noted that Prime Minister Modi has guaranteed that India will take appropriate actions concerning the return of its illegal immigrants. A Bloomberg News report estimates that approximately 18,000 Indian migrants have illegally entered the US.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India has reiterated its stance against illegal immigration due to its association with various types of organized crime. According to spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the process for repatriating Indian nationals who may be overstaying or lacking legal documentation abroad involves verifying their nationality through shared documents. "If that establishes their identity as Indians, we will progress accordingly to facilitate their return to India," he stated at a press conference. A representative from the US Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that the US is "vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants." The spokesperson concluded with a warning, stating that such measures convey a clear message that the dangers of illegal migration outweigh any potential benefits.
