Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will take back any verified Indian illegal migrant in the US and will also crack down on human traffickers who exploit vulnerable people.
India and the US “have always been of the same opinion, and that any verified Indian who is in the US illegally, we are fully prepared to take them back to India”, he said on Thursday at a news conference after bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.
The US sent back about 100 illegal migrants from India on a military plane to Amritsar this month. India reportedly has agreed to take back 18,000 illegal migrants.
PM Modi said that he wanted to go beyond repatriation and fight the human traffickers who exploit “the children of very ordinary families” luring them with “big dreams and big promises”.
“A lot of them are brought in without them knowing why they're going to the country,” he said. “And basically, the young, vulnerable, poor people of India are fooled into coming over as illegal immigrants,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister called for a joint fight against the menace of human trafficking.
“As far as the US and India are concerned, I think what we should do is make an effort to make sure that we uproot them (traffickers) from within the system so that we can reduce or remove human trafficking,” he said.
As a general principle, he said that illegal migrants have no right to be in a country. It is not a question only about India, but “even globally you can talk about this issue, and we are of the opinion that anybody who enters another country illegally, they have absolutely no right to be in that country,” he said.
India also has a problem with illegal migrants coming in from neighbouring countries.
PM Modi holds talks with Elon Musk on closer India-US ties in technology, innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a discussion with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on a range of topics, including the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation.
Nine women among 22 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
Security forces in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh have achieved a significant breakthrough with 22 Maoists, including nine women, surrendering on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoism, officials said.
Focus on protecting rights of own minorities: India slams B'desh on Bengal violence comment
The comments from Dhaka came in the wake of protests against the Waqf(Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the minority Muslim population in the state.
Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice inspires society to protect their faith for eternity: HM Shah on Prakash Parv
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, on his birth anniversary and emphasised the enduring legacy of his teachings and sacrifices.
May the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevail: PM Modi on Good Friday
On Good Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and urged people to embrace kindness and compassion, praying that the spirit of peace and togetherness always prevails.
HC asks Delhi govt, MCD to act against illegal encroachments on Yamuna Pusta Road
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the city government to act against illegal encroachments prevailing along the Yamuna Pusta Road, which stretches from Wazirabad to Hiranki and serves as a crucial arterial route for residents and commuters.
2 killed, 6 injured in US university shooting
Two people were killed and six others were injured after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee on Thursday, law enforcement said at a news conference.
DoNER Minister bats for accelerating the Special Economic Zone in Manipur
Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the pace of key infrastructure projects, including universities, Information Technology and Special Economic Zone in Manipur, mental, maternity and child hospital, officials said.