In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that India “will do what’s right” regarding the deportation of illegal migrants, following a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Monday, the leaders engaged in their inaugural conversation following Trump’s inauguration the previous week.
The conversation covered immigration, security concerns, and trade, which the White House characterized as a “productive call.”
After the call, Trump informed reporters that Modi is expected to visit the United States “sometime in February.”
Since assuming office on January 20, Trump has unveiled several executive orders focused on immigration, signaling a significant initiative aimed at intensifying the enforcement against undocumented migrants in the United States.
The Pew Research Centre estimates that, as of 2024, there are approximately 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants residing in the United States.
In a recent announcement, India’s foreign ministry declared that Delhi is prepared to accommodate Indians overstaying abroad, provided their documentation is submitted and their nationality is confirmed.
During a phone call on Monday, the ministry reported that Trump and Modi discussed the bilateral relationship, focusing on technology, trade, investment, energy, and defence.
Security issues in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe were also on the agenda for the two leaders’ discussions.
A recent statement from the White House reveals that Trump underscored India’s need to enhance its acquisition of American-made security equipment while advocating for a “fair” bilateral trading relationship.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi referred to Trump as a “dear friend,” emphasizing their dedication to a mutually beneficial partnership built on trust.
The White House reported that both leaders underscored their dedication to enhancing the strategic partnership between their nations and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, which includes Japan and Australia.
In a significant diplomatic move, India is set to host the leaders of the Quad for the first time later this year.
During Donald Trump’s first term, from 2017 to 2021, the relationship between Trump and Modi was characterised by a sense of cordiality.
India encountered a challenging tariff conflict with the Trump administration, impacting enterprises in both nations.
In November, after Trump’s election victory, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed confidence in collaborating with the newly elected US president, stating that the country was not apprehensive about the partnership.
Last year, Trump referred to Modi as a “great leader” while simultaneously criticizing India for imposing high tariffs.
Experts suggest that it will be noteworthy to observe whether the amicable relationship between the two will address apprehensions surrounding trade and immigration.
