This weekend two military flights with deported Indian nationals are set to land at Amritsar International Airport. This marks a sharp rise in the flow of illegal immigrants being sent back to India from the United States. This comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s just concluded visit to the US, where the issue of illegal immigration was prominently discussed with President Donald Trump.

Sources have confirmed to FinancialExpress.com that on Saturday (February 15, 2025) a flight carrying 119 illegal Indian immigrants is expected to land at around 10 PM. The majority of the deportees are from Punjab (67), followed by 33 from Haryana, and smaller numbers from Gujarat (8), Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Another batch of 67 deportees is likely to return on Sunday, February 16, further reinforcing the ongoing US crackdown.

This wave of deportations follows a similar flight that arrived at Amritsar last week, bringing back 104 Indian nationals. As reported previously by FinancialExpress.com, many of these individuals had entered the US through risky and illegal routes, often dubbed the “donkey routes,” in search of a better life.

India’s Strong Position on Illegal Immigration

India has been vocal about its position on illegal immigration. During his meeting with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that India will take back any Indian nationals found to be illegally in other countries. However, PM Modi pointed out that deportation alone is not enough and highlighted the need to target the illegal networks that profit from facilitating such immigration, urging both countries to work together to dismantle these systems through law enforcement and intelligence cooperation.

During a special briefing following PM Modi and President Trump’s meeting, foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that India fully supports legal immigration and migration policies that are in line with international frameworks. He stressed that India is in favour of legal mobility but strongly opposes illegal mobility, and would welcome discussions on avenues for legal migration if the US is willing to expand such programs, especially in sectors like seasonal labour.

In a previous briefing ahead of PM Modi’s visit to the US, foreign secretary Misri had said that when India sought details about potential returnees from the United States, “we have been told that there are up to 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders with the US authorities. We have sought details, and identifying details and particulars have been supplied to us with regard to 298 individuals.” Adding, “We are checking on this and we will revert to our US counterparts on these issues. About the others, we have not yet been provided details.”