India supports legitimate return of undocumented immigrants, says External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

Jaishankar on illegal US immigrant deportation row: If it takes 400-odd days to get a visa, don’t think…

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed on Wednesday that India is open to the legitimate return of undocumented Indian immigrants to their home country. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing global mobility with opposition to illegal migration.

Dialogue with the United States

Jaishankar made these remarks following discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During their bilateral talks, Jaishankar highlighted India’s principled position on immigration issues, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach.

“We are supportive of legal mobility because we believe in a global workplace where Indian talent and skills can thrive. However, we are firmly opposed to illegal mobility and migration,” Jaishankar stated.

The minister noted that the government is in the process of verifying the identities of undocumented Indians in the US who might be deported, but no final numbers have been determined yet.

Concerns over illegal immigration

Jaishankar explained that illegal immigration is often tied to other criminal activities, which can harm the country’s reputation. He stressed India’s willingness to facilitate the return of its citizens through lawful channels, noting that this policy has been consistently communicated to the U.S. and other countries.

Efforts to address visa delays

In his discussions with Rubio, Jaishankar raised concerns over lengthy visa processing times, stating that such delays could hinder the strong relationship between India and the US.

“If it takes 400-odd days to obtain a visa, I don’t think that serves the relationship well. Secretary Rubio acknowledged this concern,” Jaishankar said.

India and US immigration policies

Reports have previously indicated that India is cooperating with the US government to address the deportation of approximately 180,000 undocumented or overstayed Indian nationals. Jaishankar acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the immigration debate in the US, particularly under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies, but reiterated that India’s position remains consistent and principled.

Mutual benefits of legal mobility

Jaishankar concluded by emphasizing that finding solutions to support legal mobility is in the mutual interest of both nations. He expressed optimism that India and the US could work together to address immigration challenges while enhancing opportunities for lawful migration.

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