Washington:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has clarified India's position, saying New Delhi is open to the 'legitimate return' of Indian nationals living 'illegally' abroad, including in the US.
“We have always believed that if there are citizens who are not here legally, if we are confident that they are our citizens, we have always been open to their legitimate return to India. So it is not a unique position. to the US,” EAM Jaishankar said at a press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time).
He affirmed that India's position on the issue was “consistent” and “principled” and conveyed this clearly to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I now understand that there is some debate going on and there is a resulting sensitivity. But we have been consistent, we have been very principled about it, and that remains our position, and I have conveyed that very clearly to the American state. Secretary Marco Rubio,” he added.
However, EAM Jaishankar also emphasized that India is a strong supporter of 'legal mobility' between two countries and wants Indian skills and talent to get great opportunities at the global level.
He said India strongly opposes illegal migration, adding that it is not “reputational good” and also leads to various illegal activities.
“As a government, we are of course strongly in favor of legal mobility, because we believe in a global workplace. We want Indian talent and skills to get maximum opportunities at the global level,” said Mr. Jaishankar.
“At the same time, we are also very strongly opposed to illegal mobility and illegal migration. Because you also know that when something illegal happens, many other illegal activities are involved… this is not desirable. It is certainly not good for the reputation . … So that applies to every country, and the US is no exception,” he added.
The Secretary of State, during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also pointed out the long waiting time for obtaining US visas, saying it is not helping the relationship.
“I also told him (Rubio) that while we all understand this, and I also accept that these are autonomous processes, it is in our mutual interest to facilitate legal and mutually beneficial mobility. If it takes 400 days to wait I don't think that serves the relationship well, so I think he made that point as well,” he also said.
EAM Jaishankar represented India at the inaugural function of US President Donald Trump. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th American president on January 20.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
