The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Friday that efforts will be made to repatriate individuals deported by the US to Central America once their Indian citizenship is verified. This is part of India’s continued cooperation with the US to combat illegal immigration.
This week, the US deported 299 migrants to Panama, and a commercial flight carrying 135 individuals arrived in Costa Rica on Thursday. Among those sent to Panama City, around 50 people are believed to be Indian nationals, although no Indians were reportedly included among those who were sent to Costa Rica.
The Indian embassy in Panama, which is also responsible for Costa Rica, is working with local authorities to confirm the identity of the deportees. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that once their Indian nationality is confirmed, arrangements will be made for their return to India.
The US is using Panama and Costa Rica as temporary transit points for deportees under a “bridge arrangement,” where these countries agree to facilitate deportations while the US covers all costs. Jaiswal explained that the verification process is underway in Panama, and once it is completed, the repatriation of Indian nationals will be arranged. Deportees in Panama are currently being housed in a hotel, where they will receive the necessary documentation once their nationality is confirmed.
