Nearly 2,900 Indians deported from US and UK for illegal stay this year: Centre
MEA says 2,790 Indians repatriated from the US and 100 from the UK after nationality verification, confirms six-month US sanctions waiver for Chabahar port
New Delhi, Oct 31: The Centre on Thursday said that nearly 2,900 Indian nationals living illegally in the United States and the United Kingdom have been deported to India since January this year.
During the weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that over 2,790 Indians who did not meet the legal residency criteria in the US were sent back after due verification of their nationality.
“Since the beginning of this year, over 2,790 Indian nationals who were residing in the US illegally have returned. Their credentials and nationality were verified before repatriation. These figures are updated till October 29,” Jaiswal said.
Responding to a query on deportations from the UK, he added that around 100 Indian nationals have been sent back this year following the same verification process.
Jaiswal also confirmed that the United States has granted India a six-month exemption from American sanctions related to the Chabahar port project in Iran, which plays a key role in regional connectivity and trade. “We remain engaged with the US to conclude a trade deal,” he added.
On the subject of India-Afghanistan ties, Jaiswal referred to the recent visit of Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Muttaqi and said India remains committed to supporting Afghanistan in sustainable water management and infrastructure. “India has a history of cooperation with Afghanistan, including the Salma Dam, now known as the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam,” he said.
