India is co-operating with the US in making sure that illegal Indian immigrants are being treated properly. Reportedly, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Thursday that New Delhi is engaging with the U.S. to ensure that illegal Indian immigrants are not mistreated while being deported after opposition parties protested against the treatment of a group that was sent back this week.
Reportedly, a U.S. military plane carrying 104 deportees landed on Wednesday in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in India’s Punjab state, part of President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.
READ: Migrants are being deported to India on US military planes (February 4, 2025)
One such case is that of Daler Singh, who according to reports spent six months and $45,000 trying to get to the United States without any official paperwork. Just three weeks after arriving, he was sent back to India on a military plane, with his hands and legs handcuffed for the entire trip.
“I have lost my entire life earnings. My dreams are shattered,” Singh said at his home in the village of Salempura in Punjab state, bordering Pakistan.
“Nobody should take the illegal route and buy promises made by agents. People should go through the visa route.”
The deportations highlighted Trump’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement, a key part of his administration’s policy. While the U.S. government defended the actions as necessary to uphold immigration laws, India raised concerns about the treatment of the deportees. This move not only impacted the individuals involved but also drew attention to the growing tensions between the U.S. and India on issues of immigration and human rights. The deportations added complexity to the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
READ: Crackdown on undocumented immigrants escalates under Trump’s orders (January 29, 2025)
India may see this as an unwelcome development, potentially overshadowing Modi’s visit and diplomatic discussions. India has already expressed concern about the treatment of its citizens, and such incidents could complicate ongoing dialogues on trade, defense, and bilateral cooperation.
Moreover, the deportations may fuel anti-American sentiment in India, which could influence public opinion and political dynamics. On the other hand, the U.S. government could argue that enforcing immigration laws is essential for national security, but this rationale may not resonate well with Indian officials or the public.