India set to repatriate 18,000 illegal migrants from the US to maintain strong ties with Trump administration

India has agreed to cooperate with the United States in repatriating its illegal citizens residing there, signaling New Delhi’s intention to work closely with Donald Trump’s administration and avoid potential trade conflicts. Approximately 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants have been identified for deportation, with India set to verify and facilitate the process.

Strategic Cooperation with the US

This move is seen as a diplomatic effort to safeguard legal immigration avenues for Indian citizens, such as student visas and the H-1B visa program for skilled workers. Notably, Indians accounted for nearly 75% of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued in 2023, highlighting the significance of maintaining these pathways.

Rising Concern Over Illegal Migration

While Indians constitute about 3% of all undocumented migrants apprehended by US border officials, their numbers have been increasing. Particularly alarming is their growing share at the northern US border, where Indians now account for nearly a quarter of illegal crossings, according to US Customs and Border Protection data.

Focus on Legal Migration

India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its commitment to deterring illegal migration and fostering opportunities for lawful migration. Randhir Jaiswal, a ministry spokesperson, referred to recent deportations as part of broader cooperation efforts. “This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the US,” he stated.

Broader Implications for India

Failure to address the issue could strain India’s labor and mobility agreements with other countries, potentially impacting job opportunities for Indian workers abroad. These agreements, spanning nations such as Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Israel, are critical as India grapples with domestic job shortages.

Context and Expectations

The Trump administration’s focus on immigration reform, including ending birthright citizenship and deploying troops to the US-Mexico border, has prompted countries like India to take proactive steps to align with US policies. By ensuring smooth deportation processes, India hopes to preserve its standing with the US while protecting key immigration channels for its citizens.

As New Delhi balances these challenges, its collaboration with the US underscores the importance of fostering both legal migration and strong bilateral ties.