487 presumed Indians face final removal orders in US deportation: Centre

New Delhi: The Centre has reported that US officials have identified 487 suspected Indian citizens and issued "final removal orders."

This comes after the recent deportation of 104 Indian migrants, who were transported back to India in shackles on a US military aircraft.

"We've been told there are 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, adding that 298 persons' details have been provided to Indian authorities.

On Wednesday, a US military C-17 flight carrying the deportees arrived in Amritsar, marking the first mass deportation under President Donald Trump's administration.

The migrants, who had attempted to enter the United States illegally, were reportedly shackled during the journey and only released once they arrived in India, TNIE reported.

Misri stressed that the deportation process was not new, but noted that this newest operation was "somewhat different" from previous repatriations because it was classed as a "national security operation" by the US.

Misri stated in addressing concerns about the use of a military aircraft for deportation, "This particular deportation is somewhat different compared to earlier flights. In the US system itself, it was described as a national security operation," he said.

Misri dismissed allegations that India was uncooperative in accepting deportees and said, "Every country seeks assurance that those being sent back are its citizens, as there are legal and security considerations involved."

Indian authorities are presently working with the United States to determine the legal status of people facing deportation.