India to Repatriate Illegal Migrants Amid Strengthening US Ties

WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Alliance News): The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is collaborating with the US administration under former President Donald Trump to enhance bilateral relations and avert potential trade disputes.

A key component of this partnership involves addressing illegal immigration, The News reported Wednesday.

As per a Bloomberg report, India has agreed to cooperate with Washington in identifying and repatriating 18,000 Indian nationals illegally residing in the US.

The initiative aligns with President Trump’s executive orders targeting illegal immigration, a prominent aspect of his campaign agenda.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday to discuss concerns over irregular migration.

Rubio emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to deepening economic ties and resolving migration-related issues, according to a State Department statement.

New Delhi’s cooperation reflects a strategic move to secure legal migration channels, including the H-1B visa program. In 2023, India received about 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued by the US, a vital pathway for its skilled IT professionals. The program has received strong support from both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

India also seeks to counter secessionist movements, such as the Khalistan movement, by limiting the influence of Indian diaspora networks allegedly supporting such causes.

This collaborative effort is seen as India’s broader strategy to maintain a robust partnership with the US, safeguarding its economic and geopolitical interests.