MEA On US Mass Deportation: We’ll Take Back Overstaying Indians

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated India's stance against illegal immigration, citing its ties to organised crime. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Indian nationals living abroad without proper documentation will be repatriated if their nationality documents are provided. This policy applies to Indians in the United States and other countries.

Jaiswal clarified that discussions about the number of people being repatriated from the United States are premature. He emphasised that illegal migration and trade are distinct issues, with India's position on illegal migration being firm due to its connection with organised crime.

Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit China on January 26 and 27. During this visit, he will meet his Chinese counterpart, the Vice Minister, to discuss various bilateral issues. This meeting follows previous discussions held at different levels between the two nations.

Jaiswal mentioned that the upcoming meeting in China stems from an understanding reached by leaders in Kazan. Subsequent meetings have occurred at both special representatives and foreign minister levels. A detailed readout of the discussions will be provided after they conclude.

When asked about potential impacts on India's commerce and industrial relations due to the return of illegal immigrants from the US, Jaiswal maintained that these matters are separate from trade concerns. The focus remains on addressing illegal immigration due to its association with criminal activities.

The MEA's approach highlights India's commitment to tackling illegal immigration while maintaining clear distinctions between migration issues and trade relations. The forthcoming diplomatic engagements aim to address mutual interests between India and China, continuing dialogues initiated in previous meetings.

India calls upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism

Meanwhile, India has slammed Pakistan for supporting terrorism, stressing that the whole world is aware of who is a promoter of terrorism. Jaiswal added, "The whole world knows, who is promoting terrorism. In India, when we have terror-related attacks, where it is coming from, we all know the genesis, the root of cross-border terrorism. So, in this context, when the whole world knows who is the progenitor of cross-border terrorism, to say that we are trying to politicise something etc is totally immaterial. Everyone knows that there are people, there are countries who are responsible for cross-border terrorism and we call upon Pakistan to take strict action to stop cross-border terrorism."