NEW DELHI, Feb 7: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that US authorities have identified up to 487 Indian citizens with “final removal orders.” He stated that details regarding 298 of these individuals have been relayed to New Delhi.
Misri made these comments during a special briefing prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US, addressing concerns following the recent deportation of 104 undocumented Indian immigrants by the US.
When asked if a formal protest had been lodged by India, Misri confirmed, “Yes, we have been in ongoing communication with US authorities and have expressed our concerns.”
Responding to queries about reports that some deportees were handcuffed during their transport on a C-17 Globemaster that arrived in Amritsar on Wednesday, Misri clarified, “This recent deportation was unique compared to previous instances because the US characterized it as a ‘national security operation,’ which may explain the use of a military aircraft.”
He added, “We are open to exploring alternative measures,” when asked about possible changes to deportation procedures.
Misri could not specify the last instance of a military aircraft being used for deportations, stating, “I need to verify that information.” He mentioned that the standard operating procedures utilized have been in place since 2012 and shared with US authorities.
The foreign secretary elaborated that there are various categories of individuals returning from the US, differentiating between those who are voluntarily returned and those undergoing removal due to judicial or legal processes.
Regarding the potential for more deportation flights, he indicated it hinges on confirming the citizenship status of returnees. “It is difficult to provide an exact figure until we verify their nationality,” he noted.
Misri emphasized the importance of assuring that India accepts only bona fide citizens, pointing to underlying legal and security concerns. He reiterated India’s commitment to thorough communication with the US on this matter and its due diligence upon receiving information.
He provided data indicating that India has been “very transparent” regarding returnees, reporting that they were informed of up to 487 presumed Indian citizens facing removal, with specifics about 298 shared recently. “We are currently verifying this information and will follow up with our US counterparts,” the foreign secretary stated. Details for the remaining cases have yet to be provided.
During the briefing, he highlighted the need to address the “ecosystem promoting illegal migration,” which involves gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain, resulting in their subsequent return to India.
On the matter of alleged mistreatment of deportees, Misri acknowledged it as a “valid concern” and asserted that India continues to advocate for the fair treatment of those being deported. “This is an ongoing dialogue, and we will address any instances of mistreatment that come to our attention,” he affirmed.
In response to a question regarding any protests in 2012, he noted, “I don’t believe there were any protests, and we have no record of such.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also commented on the government’s active engagement with the US to prevent mistreatment of deportees and stressed the necessity for a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry.
Echoing Jaishankar’s sentiments, Misri remarked that deportations are a longstanding process. “Reports indicate that illegal immigrants from various countries, including India, reside in different states in the US. We are working with available data and strive to confirm these figures,” he concluded.
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