India and the United States remain engaged in discussions aimed at tackling illegal migration while safeguarding legal mobility pathways
More than 1,100 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States so far in 2026, according to figures released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Speaking during the ministry’s weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 1,174 Indians had been deported from the US this year. The latest figures come amid ongoing cooperation between New Delhi and Washington on migration and border enforcement issues.
Jaiswal noted that discussions between the two countries are continuing to address illegal migration while ensuring that legitimate travel and migration channels are not disrupted.
“In matters of migration and mobility, discussions are ongoing between both sides,” he said, adding that efforts are focused on curbing unlawful migration without adversely affecting legal movement of people.
The issue has gained greater prominence since US President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025. His administration has intensified immigration enforcement measures, including large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants.
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According to MEA data, 3,576 Indians were deported from the United States during 2025
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Combined with this year’s figures, more than 4,700 Indian nationals have been returned to India over the past 17 months
India has consistently maintained that countries are obliged to accept the return of their citizens found to be residing illegally abroad, subject to verification of nationality. The government has previously described this as a widely accepted principle of international relations rather than a policy unique to India.
The MEA has also stated that Indian authorities work closely with their US counterparts to verify the identity of individuals identified for deportation. Cases typically involve people who entered the US illegally, overstayed their visas, or were living in the country without valid documentation.
Officials said only those confirmed to be Indian nationals are accepted for repatriation to India.
