Trump Praises India’s Stance on Illegal Immigration After Talks with Modi
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in India’s approach to tackling illegal immigration, stating that India “will do what’s right.” His comments followed a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their first interaction since Trump’s inauguration last week.
During their "productive" discussion, which the White House described as focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership, the two leaders addressed key topics, including immigration, trade, defense, and security.
India's Role in Tackling Illegal Immigration
The topic of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US featured prominently during their conversation. According to a 2024 report by the Pew Research Center, approximately 725,000 Indian nationals are undocumented in the United States. Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration enforcement have sparked renewed dialogue on the deportation of illegal migrants.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs affirmed its readiness to repatriate Indian nationals overstaying in any part of the world, provided their documentation is verified. This aligns with Trump’s call for stricter immigration controls, a cornerstone of his administration.
Strengthening the US-India Strategic Partnership
Beyond immigration, Modi and Trump discussed enhancing ties across multiple sectors, including technology, trade, energy, and defense. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations and bolstering the Indo-Pacific Quad alliance, which also includes Japan and Australia.
The White House statement emphasized Trump’s push for increased Indian procurement of US-made defense equipment and the pursuit of a more “balanced” trade relationship. This comes as India prepares to host the Quad leaders for the first time later this year, solidifying its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi-Trump Relations: A Cordial Yet Complex History
Modi referred to Trump as a “dear friend” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting their shared commitment to fostering a trusted partnership. During Trump’s first term (2017–2021), the two leaders enjoyed warm relations, though their countries faced challenges such as a trade war that resulted in increased tariffs on both sides.
Despite these hurdles, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed confidence in working with the Trump administration, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to diplomacy.
Immigration, Security, and Trade: Key Issues for the Future
Trump’s remarks about India’s handling of illegal immigration signal a potential alignment of policies, especially as the US ramps up efforts to address undocumented migrants. The broader focus on strengthening defense, trade, and security ties underscores the growing significance of US-India relations on the global stage.
As analysts await further developments, the discussions between Modi and Trump set the stage for closer cooperation, despite lingering concerns over trade disputes and immigration policies.
