Amritsar, February 16, 2025: Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO met a group of Indian nationals deported from the United States after their illegal migration. The second batch of deportees landed at Amritsar Airport on Sunday, marking another high-profile repatriation following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
The deported individuals are being sent to their respective states, with arrangements facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Earlier, on February 5, a US Air Force plane carrying over 100 Indian deportees had landed in Amritsar. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured that the returnees would be treated with dignity, with provisions for food and temporary stay before their onward journey.
“Our children are returning home; we will ensure no one goes hungry. Necessary arrangements for food and stay have been made before they proceed to their respective states,” CM Mann stated at a press conference in Amritsar on Saturday.
The deportations have sparked political debate, with CM Mann accusing the central government of attempting to “defame Punjab and Punjabis.” He questioned why Amritsar was repeatedly chosen as the arrival destination for deported migrants.
“There is a conspiracy to defame Punjab. The MEA must clarify the criteria used to select Amritsar for these flights,” Mann alleged.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to taking back its nationals who are residing illegally in the US. Speaking at a joint press conference with President Trump, PM Modi emphasized the need to dismantle human trafficking networks that mislead individuals into illegal migration.
“Those who stay illegally in other countries do not have any legal rights there. India is ready to take back its verified citizens, but we must work together to eliminate human trafficking. I am confident that President Trump will support India in this effort,” Modi stated.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also addressed Parliament on February 6, stressing that all nations must accept their nationals if they are found to be illegally residing abroad. He assured that the Indian government is in talks with US authorities to ensure humane treatment for deportees.
With deportation flights continuing, the issue of illegal migration remains a critical diplomatic and political concern between India and the US.
