Will take back illegals only after verifying: India to US

NEW DELHI: Amid concerns raised by the US over irregular migration, India Friday reiterated it will, like in the past, accept illegal migrants from the US only after verifying their Indian origin and that any talk about number of such undocumented people it’s willing to take back is “premature”.
The remarks by the ministry of external affairs came shortly after reports from the US said “hundreds” of illegal immigrants were deported in a military aircraft by American authorities just days into Donald Trump’s presidency. More than 500 migrants were also reported to have been arrested. Indian officials said they had no information about this “largest massive deportation operation”.
While US authorities were reported last year to have served final order of removal to close to 18000 people for deportation to India, the Indian government has not backed that number maintaining it is yet to be verified by Indian authorities. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) called India “uncooperative” because of the delay in verifying their citizenship.

After his meeting with counterpart Marco Rubio, external affairs minister S Jaishankar had said India follows the same policy - facilitating legitimate return of illegal migrants if their Indian origin is validated - with all countries and the US is no exception.
“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 and that they are indeed Indians,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
“If that happens to be the case we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India. Any discussion about the number of people who would be taken back is premature,” he added.
“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals…also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” said Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt in a post on X. Trump has maintained all along that illegal immigration puts an enormous burden on the US and pledged all lawful action at his disposal to address the “crisis”.
Speaking after his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar had also said that while India is aware of the ongoing debate on the issue and the sensitivities involved, India’s position on illegal migration has been consistent and principled.
Responding to a query at a media briefing, Jaiswal also said India looks at illegal migration and trade - another likely contentious matter given Trump’s tariff threats - as separate issues and its approach has always been very constructive.
“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,” said the official.
“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,” he added.