New Delhi, Feb 6: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that it is the responsibility of all countries to repatriate their nationals if they are found residing illegally abroad.
He also assured that the Indian government is engaging with the US to ensure the deportees are treated with dignity and not mistreated in any way.
In a statement to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the US deportation of Indian nationals, Jaishankar explained that deportations are organized by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and that the standard operating procedure (SOP) for deportation via aircraft has been in place since 2012.
Jaishankar clarified that there had been no changes to the process for the flight on February 5. He stated, "Deportations by the US are organized and executed by ICE. The SOP for deportation by aircraft has been effective since 2012, which includes the use of restraints. However, we’ve been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained, and the deportees' needs, including food, medical care, and breaks for necessary hygiene, are addressed during transit."
He further noted that this applies to both chartered civilian and military aircraft. "There has been no change in the procedures for the US flight on February 5, 2025," he reiterated. The government is working with the US authorities to ensure the deportees are not mistreated during their return.
Jaishankar stressed the need for stronger measures against the illegal migration industry while facilitating legitimate travel. "Law enforcement agencies will take necessary action based on the information provided by returning deportees about agents and others involved in illegal migration," he said.
The US Air Force plane carrying 104 Indian nationals who had allegedly migrated illegally to the US arrived in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday.
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening ties with the United States, noting that migration and mobility play a crucial role in this relationship. "It is in our collective interest to encourage legal mobility and discourage illegal migration, which often leads to other criminal activities. Many migrants fall victim to inhumane conditions and exploitation, and sadly, there have even been fatalities during illegal migration attempts. Those who have returned have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences," he added.
