In a significant move, the United States has deported 205 Indian nationals aboard a C-17 Globemaster military aircraft, marking the first such deportation flight to India.
The plane departed from San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at approximately 3 am IST and is scheduled to land in Amritsar on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, around 9 am local time.
This deportation is part of President Donald Trump’s intensified border enforcement and deportation policies since beginning his second term on January 20, 2025. The US Embassy in New Delhi has confirmed that the government is tightening immigration laws and sending a strong message against illegal migration5.
India’s Stance on Illegal Migration
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has reiterated that while India supports legal mobility, it strongly opposes illegal migration. Jaishankar stated that New Delhi is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living illegally abroad, including in the US. The Indian government has emphasized that it will accept deported individuals only after proper verification of their nationality.
The Use of Military Aircraft for Deportation
This deployment of a C-17 military aircraft for deportation to India is unprecedented. The Trump administration has increasingly utilized military resources to enforce immigration laws, including using these aircraft for deportations to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The use of military planes for deportation is unusual and costly, with a single flight to Guatemala reportedly costing approximately $4,675 per deportee.
Scale of Illegal Indian Immigration
According to a Bloomberg News report, India and the US have identified around 18,000 Indian migrants who entered the US illegally. In the 2024 fiscal year, over 90,000 Indian nationals attempted illegal entry into the US, with 25,616 entering via the Mexican border.
Future Implications
This deportation flight is likely to be the first of many, as the US government works to address the issue of illegal immigration. The move raises questions about the future of immigration policies, the impact on Indian communities, and the challenges faced by deported migrants upon returning to their home country.
As this situation continues to develop, it will be crucial to monitor the responses from both the US and Indian governments, as well as the broader implications for international relations and immigration policies.
