205 Indian Nationals Deported from the US in Historic Operation, Flight Takes Off from Texas

In a significant move, 205 Indian nationals who had entered the United States illegally were deported on a US military aircraft, which took off from Texas approximately six hours ago, sources informed NDTV. This operation marks a notable step in US efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, with each deported individual being thoroughly verified — a process suggesting India’s active involvement in the repatriation effort. Officials indicate that this flight is likely the first of many that will bring back illegal Indian immigrants from the US.

The deportation was carried out aboard a C-17 US military aircraft, known for its capacity to transport large numbers of passengers. For those curious, unless equipped with an air-transportable galley, the C-17 is typically fitted with only a single toilet for 205 passengers.

The timing of the deportation aligns with US President Donald Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration. This move follows a series of similar deportations of illegal immigrants from the US to other countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Trump had previously highlighted this new practice, stating, “For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came.”

This initial deportation of Indian nationals comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US, which will be his first since Trump began his second term as president. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had earlier expressed India’s willingness to support the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living illegally abroad, including in the US.

In an earlier statement, Trump claimed that Modi had assured him that India would “do what’s right” in addressing the issue of illegal immigration. According to reports, the US and India have identified around 18,000 Indian migrants who are believed to have entered the US unlawfully.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated the country’s firm stance against illegal immigration, citing its links to organized crime. A spokesperson for the Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, explained that India is committed to ensuring the return of nationals living without proper documentation abroad, provided their identities are confirmed.

“The government of India will facilitate the return of any Indian national who is overstaying in a foreign country, as long as the necessary documents are provided to verify their nationality,” Jaiswal said.

A spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi underscored the US government’s aggressive immigration policy, stating, “The US is vigorously enforcing its borders, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk.”

This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing global conversation about immigration and border security, with India and the US taking coordinated steps to address the issue of illegal migrants.