The US and Indian leaders have discussed the issue of “illegal immigrants” that New Delhi is ready to “take back”
US President Donald Trump has said India will address the issue of illegal immigration, days after New Delhi indicated it was ready to take back its citizens who have entered the US illegally or overstayed their visas.
Trump made the comments on Monday following a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two sides discussed bilateral ties and global issues.
Addressing reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the conversation with Modi as “productive” and “extended.”“Discussed immigration with Modi. India will do what is right when it comes to taking back illegal immigrants,” Reuters quoted the US president as saying.
The call with Modi was the first between the pair since Trump began his second term on January 20. The president added that the Indian leader is “likely” to visit the US in February this year.
In a post on X, Modi said both countries are committed to a “mutually beneficial and trusted partnership.”
The Indian government has identified around 180,000 people who either entered the US illegally or have overstayed their visas, according to Bloomberg. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who traveled to Washington for Trump’s inauguration and met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials, pointed out that New Delhi is “firmly opposed” to any unlawful migration of its citizens to other countries, including the US, and is open to their “legitimate return” to their homeland.
Despite Trump and Modi being seen to share a warm personal relationship – both leaders refer to each other as “dear friends” – the US president focused on immigration as a key issue in the 2024 election. Trump has also raised concerns about import tariffs, labeling India a “very big abuser” of trade. According to government data, the US is India’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade exceeding $118 billion in the 2023-2024 financial year and India posting a surplus of $32 billion.
According to a statement released by the White House on the phone call with Modi, Trump also stressed the need for India to boost its purchase of American-made defense equipment and work towards establishing a more equitable trade relationship.
