India seeks consular access to 157 people detained Down Under

NEW DELHI: India has sought consular access to 157 people whose boat was seized by Australia and asked that country to ensure that no harm is caused to any of the detainees. This was conveyed to Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison when he met Home Minister Rajnath Singh here today.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was also present in the meeting. The meeting discussed issues relating to illegal migration and the Australian Minister mentioned that a boat with 157 people onboard was seized by the Australian authorities in the last week of June, 2014.

"The Indian side sought consular access and emphasised the importance of handling such cases in a legal and humanitarian manner ensuring that no harm befalls upon anyone, especially minor children," a Home Ministry statement said.

The Home Minister conveyed that India, as a matter of policy, does not support any kind of illegal migration either into its own territory or illegal migration of its citizens to foreign territories.