A U.S. military aircraft departed from Texas carrying 205 Indian nationals deported for illegal entry, following verification of each individual.
Amid reports of the Trump administration deporting migrants to India on military aircraft, a U.S. embassy spokesperson stated that the United States is strictly enforcing immigration laws and expelling illegal migrants.
“The United States is strictly enforcing its borders, tightening immigration laws, and deporting illegal migrants. This sends a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” a U.S. embassy spokesperson told news agency ANI.
A U.S. military aircraft carrying 205 Indian nationals deported for illegal entry departed from Texas, sources told NDTV. Each deportee was verified as part of the process, highlighting India’s involvement in the operation.
This is expected to be the first of several such flights returning illegal Indian immigrants from the United States.
The deportation comes amid reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the U.S. next week, marking his first trip since Donald Trump began his second term as President.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals residing illegally abroad, including in the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India “will do what’s right” regarding the repatriation of illegal Indian immigrants.
According to a Bloomberg report, India and the U.S. have identified approximately 18,000 Indian migrants who entered the U.S. illegally.
The Ministry of External Affairs has reaffirmed India’s stance against illegal immigration, highlighting its links to organized crime.
“For Indians, not just in the United States but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals overstaying or residing without proper documentation, we will take them back—provided we receive the necessary documents to verify their nationality. Once confirmed, we will facilitate their return to India,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a press briefing.
