A US C-17 military aircraft has deported over 200 Indian nationals back to India, marking what is expected to be the first of several similar flights.
According to local broadcaster NDTV, “each deported Indian national is verified, indicating New Delhi’s involvement in the deportation process.”
This move follows US President Donald Trump’s previous discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where Modi assured that India would handle the return of its citizens appropriately. “India will do what’s right,” Trump said, referring to Modi’s commitment.
Since President Trump took office, the US has utilized military flights to repatriate irregular immigrants from countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador.
The Indian government, in response, has expressed firm opposition to illegal migration. As Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on January 31, “India is firmly opposed to illegal migration, especially as it is linked to other forms of organized crime.”
However, he clarified, “the Indian government would need to do the required verification, including the nationality of the concerned individuals before they are deported to India.”
