Is India Committed to Promoting Legal Migration Pathways?
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Synopsis
India has recently reiterated its dedication to promoting legal migration avenues while firmly opposing illegal migration. The Ministry of External Affairs addressed the recent deportations of Indian nationals from the United States, highlighting the importance of legal pathways and the government's concerns regarding deportee treatment.
Key Takeaways
- India opposes illegal migration.
- Promotion of legal migration pathways is a key focus.
- Over 2,400 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 2025.
- Concerns regarding deportee treatment have been raised with US authorities.
- Harjeet Kaur's case highlights the challenges faced by deportees.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) Reaffirming its enduring position against unlawful migration, India on Friday highlighted its dedication to fostering legal migration pathways.
"Since January 2025, a total of 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States. Recently, Harjeet Kaur also returned. We aim to advocate for legal migration avenues. Concurrently, India firmly opposes illegal migration,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
He responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing deportations of Indians from the USA. Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Sikh woman from Punjab, was among the latest deportees who arrived in India from the US on Thursday after being held by California authorities during a routine check-in by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Whenever an individual lacks legal status in any country, and they are referred to us with documentation claiming they are Indian nationals, we conduct a background check, confirm their nationality, and facilitate their return. This is the process followed during deportations from the United States,” Jaiswal elaborated.
Harjit Kaur's attorney claimed that she and 131 other deportees faced mistreatment during the flight, part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal migrants by the Trump administration.
Earlier in August, in response to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that 1,703 Indian nationals had been deported from the United States between January 20 and July 22, 2025.
The deportations occurred through various means, including military flights from US Customs and Border Protection, chartered flights by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charters. Some individuals were also repatriated via commercial flights from Panama and the US.
In a written response to MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed that the government has raised concerns with US authorities about the treatment of deportees. "The Ministry has vocally expressed its concerns to US officials regarding the treatment of deportees, particularly regarding the use of shackles, especially on women and children," he noted.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight that India is taking a robust stance on migration issues. While the emphasis on legal pathways is commendable, it is equally crucial to address the humanitarian aspects of deportation. Ensuring the dignity and rights of Indian nationals abroad should remain a priority for the government.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's stance on illegal migration?
India has consistently opposed illegal migration and is dedicated to promoting legal migration pathways.
How many Indians have been deported from the US recently?
Since January 2025, 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States.
What measures are being taken regarding deportee treatment?
The Indian government has raised concerns with US authorities regarding the treatment of deportees, specifically the use of shackles.
Who is Harjeet Kaur?
Harjeet Kaur is a 73-year-old Sikh woman from Punjab who was recently deported from the US.
What are the modes of deportation used?
Deportations occurred via military flights, chartered flights by ICE, DHS charters, and commercial flights.
