US deports Indian migrants on C-17 aircraft, marking first since Trump’s return
A US military C-17 aircraft carrying illegal migrants departed for India, marking the first deportation of Indian nationals since Donald Trump’s return to the White House. A US official confirmed the flight on Monday, noting that the plane would not reach India for at least 24 hours. This deportation is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to bolster its immigration agenda.
The administration has used military support, including additional troops at the US-Mexico border, military aircraft for deportations, and military bases to house migrants.
Previously, deportation flights carried migrants to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. However, this flight to India marks the longest journey yet under Trump’s return. The administration’s emphasis on deporting Indian migrants follows discussions between Trump and Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar. Both leaders have addressed concerns about illegal immigration to the US, with Trump noting that India would “do what is right” regarding the return of migrants.
The White House called the call between Trump and Modi productive, aiming to expand US-India cooperation. In a similar vein, Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, spoke with Jaishankar about the rise in “irregular immigration.”
India has consistently opposed illegal immigration to the US. Jaishankar emphasized India’s stance, stating that it is not desirable or reputationally beneficial for citizens to enter the US illegally. He also clarified that India remains open to welcoming back citizens who are confirmed to have entered the US unlawfully.
The US has been increasing deportations of Indian nationals. Between October 2023 and September 2024, over 1,100 illegal Indian immigrants were deported. Royce Murray, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, highlighted the steady rise in deportations of Indian nationals in recent years.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by referring to these deportations as the result of ongoing consular dialogue and arrangements between the two nations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed the commitment to continuing these discussions to manage immigration and mobility between India and the US.
This deportation is a clear indication of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies, particularly targeting illegal migrants from India, and demonstrates ongoing diplomatic negotiations between India and the US on immigration issues. As the US continues to strengthen its immigration controls, the long-standing issue of illegal immigration remains a point of contention in international relations.
