Washington – India is open to the legitimate return of undocumented Indian nationals from abroad, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday. While speaking to reporters in Washington, he highlighted that New Delhi is currently verifying cases of individuals in the U.S. who may face deportation, although the exact number is still unclear.
As a government, we strongly support legal mobility because we believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and skills to have the best opportunities worldwide. However, we are firmly against illegal mobility and migration,” he stated.
In light of reports indicating there are 180,000 undocumented Indians in the U.S., Mr. Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding position: if individuals are confirmed as Indian citizens, the government is open to facilitating their legitimate return. He pointed out that illegal migration often carries risks and can damage India’s reputation.
Addressing Visa Delays
Mr. Jaishankar expressed concerns regarding the lengthy U.S. visa processing times, arguing that they could negatively impact bilateral relations. “If it takes around 400 days to get a visa, I don’t think this serves our relationship well,” he remarked. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged this issue during their discussions.
The Minister also warned against relying on unverified figures concerning undocumented Indians, stressing the importance of validating their origins.
Strengthening India-U.S. Relations
Expressing optimism about the future of India-U.S. relations, Mr. Jaishankar emphasized the mutual interest in enhancing the partnership. Conversations with U.S. officials, including those at the Quad Foreign Ministers meeting, centered on tackling irregular migration and boosting bilateral cooperation.
