January 24, 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated India’s firm stance against illegal immigration, emphasizing that it is often intertwined with organized crime.

“For Indian nationals, whether in the United States or elsewhere, if they are overstaying or residing in a country without proper documentation, we will bring them back, provided the necessary documents to verify their nationality are shared with us,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson for the MEA, during a press briefing.

When asked about the number of individuals being repatriated from the US, Jaiswal clarified, “Any discussion about numbers is premature.”

The spokesperson addressed questions regarding ongoing negotiations with the US on the return of illegal immigrants and whether these measures could affect India’s trade and industrial relations with the United States.

“Illegal migration and trade are two separate issues. Our approach, policy, and stance on illegal migration are very clear. We are against illegal migration, and the reason for this is that it is linked to organized crime,” Jaiswal stated firmly.

In the same briefing, Jaiswal provided details about Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s forthcoming visit to China. The visit, scheduled for January 26 and 27, will include discussions with his Chinese counterpart, focusing on various bilateral matters.

“This meeting flows from the understanding that the leaders reached in Kazan. Following that, we’ve had meetings at the special representatives' level and foreign minister-level discussions. We will receive a detailed readout after the discussions, but all issues of mutual interest will be on the table,” Jaiswal noted.

The MEA’s proactive stance against illegal migration, coupled with ongoing diplomatic engagements, underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests while fostering international cooperation.