WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has allayed concerns over the deportation of Indians from the US, reaffirming India’s stance on immigration by stating at a media interaction on January 22 that New Delhi is interested in the “legitimate return” of Indians abroad who are living illegally in any country once their nationality is confirmed.
During his remarks, Jaishankar said India has always had a “consistent” and “principled” position on the issue and had conveyed that to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a recent meeting. “We have always maintained that if there are any of our citizens who are not here legally, and we are sure they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India,” Jaishankar said. He clarified that this policy is not exclusive to the U.S.
Although India opposes illegal migration, Jaishankar conceded that this was a complicated issue, stating that illegal activities accompany unlawful migration most of the time. He noted that such situations are “not desirable.”
Jaishankar also expressed disappointment over the wait times for US visas, terming it as a hindrance to closer bilateral ties. The long visa procedure, which can take more than 400 days, is adverse to the interests of both countries. He called for ease in legal mobility for the global talent and deepening bilateral ties.
