India will take back its citizens staying in other countries illegally: MEA

Amid the US crackdown on illegal immigration and President Donald Trump signing an executive order declaring that future children born to undocumented immigrants would no longer be treated as citizens, India clarified that New Delhi too is against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime.

Addressing a press conference, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian nationals who are 'overstaying' anywhere in the world, not just in the US, without proper documentation, will be taken back if they can prove that they are Indians. "If that happens to be the case we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India," he added.

When asked about the number of people India will be taking back from the US, he said any such discussion on numbers is "premature."

He clarified that the decision of the US to send back illegal immigrants would not affect trade ties between the two countries saying, “Illegal migration and trade are two separate issues. Our approach, policy, and stance on illegal migration are very clear. We are against illegal migration."

Meanwhile, he also expressed concern over certain pro-Khalistani elements disrupting the screening of the movie Emergency in the UK.

Some British Sikh groups have organised protests against the movie with Kangana Ranaut in the lead, disrupting its screenings at some cinemas in the UK since its release. The Sikh Press Association group had stated on social media that the film is seen as anti-Sikh. The protests resulted in the cancellation of screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands region of England.

"We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements," he said.

Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable, Jaiswal said.