India Open To “Legitimate Return” Of Illegals Says Jaishankar

WASHINGTON, DC (ANI) – Trying to tamp down the alarm bells that have been set off by news of Indian illegals being deported, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that New Delhi remains open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living abroad illegally, including in the United States.

Speaking at a press conference here on January 22, Jaishankar reiterated India’s “consistent” and “principled” position on the matter, which he conveyed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their 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. This is not a position unique to the United States,” said Jaishankar.

Addressing the sensitivity surrounding the current immigration debate, Jaishankar emphasized that India firmly opposes illegal migration, calling it “not reputationally good” and a driver of other unlawful activities. “When something illegal happens, many other illegal activities get joined into it. This is not desirable,” he stated.

At the same time, Jaishankar expressed India’s support for “legal mobility” between nations, underscoring the importance of creating global opportunities for Indian talent and skills. “As a government, we are very much supportive of legal mobility because we believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and skills to have maximum opportunities at the global level,” he said.

The Foreign Minister also raised concerns over the lengthy US visa process, arguing it hinders bilateral ties. “I told him [Rubio] that while we understand the processes and accept they are autonomous, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. If it takes 400-odd days to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this. He noted that point,” Jaishankar said.

India is trying to balance its opposition to illegal migration with its push for global opportunities for its workforce, while simultaneously keeping in mind not to ruffle the Trump administration so trade does not get affected between the two countries.

Also Read: Rubio Addresses Illegal Immigration Concerns With Jaishankar