External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the deportation of Indian citizens from the United States, affirming that it is a fundamental responsibility for all nations to repatriate their citizens found living illegally abroad. His statement came during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
“All countries must take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad,” Jaishankar said, reinforcing India’s stance on the issue.
The minister assured parliamentarians that the Indian government is in continuous communication with US authorities to ensure the deportees are not subjected to mistreatment. "We are engaging with the US government to ensure that the deportees are not mistreated in any manner," Jaishankar stated, urging a collaborative approach to protect the dignity of Indian citizens.
He also emphasized the importance of cracking down on the illegal immigration industry. “At the same time, the House will appreciate that our focus should be on the strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry,” he added.
Jaishankar further confirmed that law enforcement agencies in India will take necessary actions against agents involved in facilitating illegal immigration. “On the basis of information provided by the deportees, law enforcement agencies will take necessary, preventive, and exemplary action against the agents and such agencies,” he remarked.
The minister’s remarks followed a protest by opposition MPs demanding a parliamentary discussion on the recent deportation of over 100 Indian nationals from the United States. MPs, including Amritsar MP Gurujit Singh Aujla, participated in the protest wearing handcuffs to highlight the inhumane conditions the deportees were subjected to.
