India remains open to the legitimate return of undocumented Indians from abroad, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday. He noted, however, that the process of verifying individuals in the United States eligible for deportation to India is ongoing, and an exact number is yet to be determined.
“As a government, we strongly support legal mobility because we believe in a global workplace,” Jaishankar told Indian reporters. “We want Indian talent and skills to have maximum global opportunities. At the same time, we are firmly opposed to illegal mobility and migration.”
He explained the broader consequences of illegal migration, saying, “When illegal activities occur, they often attract other unlawful actions, which are undesirable and harm our reputation. So, with every country, including the US, our consistent stance has been that if any of our citizens are illegally present, and if we confirm their citizenship, we are open to their legitimate return to India.”
Jaishankar was responding to queries about reports suggesting India is collaborating with the US government on the deportation of around 180,000 undocumented Indians, including those who overstayed their visas.
“This position is not unique to the United States,” he clarified. “While I understand the sensitivity surrounding the current debate, our stance has been consistent and principled. I conveyed this clearly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”
Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of legal and mutually beneficial mobility between the two nations. “I pointed out that a waiting period of 400-plus days for a visa doesn’t serve the relationship well. Secretary Rubio acknowledged this concern,” he said.
Cautioning against premature conclusions, Jaishankar said, “While I’ve seen some numbers reported, I advise caution because, for us, a number becomes meaningful only when we validate that the individual in question is of Indian origin.”
