Modi’s impending Trump meeting overshadowed by deportation of Indians

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the US on Wednesday for talks with President Donald Trump on trade and other issues, days after many Indians were deported in shackles on a US military plane and more are due to come.

Modi’s February 12-13 schedule was announced by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday during a press conference, during which he was peppered with questions about the treatment of the 104 deportees on the flight this week despite the close ties between the two countries.

Misri said US. authorities had told New Delhi that there were up to 487 more presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders who could still be deported. India will verify their nationality, he said.

In the last 16 years, more than 15,000 Indians have been sent back from the US, with a record number during Trump’s last presidency, according to Indian government data. The latest deportation used a military aircraft because US authorities felt it would be the quickest option, he said.

“In the US system itself, it was described as a national security operation. And that is perhaps one of the reasons why a military aircraft was used,” Misri said, adding that India had agreed to that means of transport.

“In so far as alternatives are concerned, we will consider any alternatives that would be feasible (for future deportations).”

During the US visit, Modi and Trump will discuss trade, defence cooperation and technology, among other issues, he said.