Removal orders: What's next for 487 Indians in United States?

World News: A recent US deportation flight carrying 104 Indian nationals has ignited controversy, casting a shadow over upcoming talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. The incident has raised questions about US immigration enforcement, deportation procedures, human rights, illegal immigration, US-India relations, Trump administration, Modi visit, diplomatic discussions, border security, immigration policy, Indian nationals, deportation flight, mistreatment allegations, Vikram Misri, S Jaishankar, External Affairs Ministry, US authorities, immigration concerns, international relations.

Deportation Details and Reactions

On Wednesday, a US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian migrants landed in Amritsar, marking the first such flight under the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies. The deportees had entered the US through the Mexican border into Texas1. The group included individuals from Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, including women and children. The use of a military aircraft for deportation, as opposed to a chartered one, has drawn attention. News of the deportees arriving in handcuffs and leg chains sparked outrage in India.

Government Response and Assurances

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the concerns in Parliament, stating that the use of restraints was part of standard US protocol since 2012 and not a new practice. He assured that the US had conveyed that women and children were not restrained and that their needs were taken care of during the journey. India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed that the US had notified India about 487 presumed Indian nationals facing removal orders and that the government is working to ensure the safe return of its citizens. The Indian government has stated its opposition to illegal immigration, associating it with organized crime.

US-India Relations and Future Discussions

The deportations and related concerns are expected to be a topic of discussion during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Washington. Both sides are expected to address migration concerns and explore opportunities for skilled Indian workers to obtain US visas. The US President mentioned discussing immigration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that India would "do what is right" in managing the return of "illegal immigrants". Despite the current controversy, both countries aim to enhance their strategic partnership.