By Jack Rasee, Washington DC. February 5, 2025
Washington, D.C. – As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit the United States for a high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump, a stark reality looms in the background: the ongoing deportation of illegal Indian migrants.
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. government has begun deporting undocumented Indian nationals, with a staggering 725,000 illegal Indian immigrants currently residing in the country. In a dramatic development, military planes have been used to transport detained migrants back to India. Witnesses describe the deportation process as harsh, with detainees reportedly having their hands cuffed and chained before being flown out of the country.
The optics of this operation have sparked widespread debate. While some argue that strict immigration enforcement is necessary to uphold the rule of law, others see it as an inhumane response to economic migrants seeking better opportunities.
As Prime Minister Modi and Trump prepare to meet, many are questioning whether the fate of these migrants will be a topic of discussion or merely a side note overshadowed by political and economic negotiations.
What will be the conclusion? Will this crackdown strain India-U.S. relations, or will leaders sweep the issue under the rug in favor of diplomatic agreements and economic deals? Only time will tell, but for now, thousands of Indian migrants face an uncertain and painful journey back home.
According to PTI, the US military plane C-17 is carrying 205 illegal immigrants hailing from Punjab and neighbouring states.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government would receive the immigrants and set up counters at the airport.
