During his visit to Washington, D.C., India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, confirmed that India is prepared to assist in the return of undocumented Indian nationals residing in the United States. This announcement comes as part of ongoing discussions around immigration, which have been a priority for the U.S. government, particularly under the Trump administration. The issue was notably raised by Senator Marco Rubio in a bilateral meeting with Jaishankar, where concerns about irregular immigration were discussed.
Jaishankar emphasized that the Indian government strongly supports legal mobility, advocating for the global recognition of Indian talent and skills in the international workforce. However, he made it clear that India firmly opposes illegal mobility and migration, underlining the importance of maintaining lawful channels of movement.
Addressing concerns about the number of undocumented Indian nationals, Jaishankar noted that media reports on the figures may not be accurate, cautioning that India is in the process of verifying the identities of those who may be eligible for deportation. While reports have varied, with figures ranging from 18,000 to 180,000 undocumented Indians, Jaishankar highlighted that official numbers would only be available once individuals’ Indian origin is confirmed.
The Minister reiterated India’s consistent and principled stance on illegal migration, stressing that illegal activities often lead to other undesirable consequences, affecting the reputation of all parties involved. India remains committed to facilitating the legitimate return of its citizens, provided their Indian origin is substantiated.
In addition to addressing illegal migration, Jaishankar raised concerns about the challenges faced by Indian nationals in obtaining U.S. visas. Pointing out the long wait times, with some applicants facing delays of up to 400 days, Jaishankar suggested that such delays are detrimental to the bilateral relationship between India and the U.S. Senator Rubio acknowledged the issue, further underscoring the need for improvements in legal mobility between the two nations.
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