Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that India is prepared to repatriate its nationals living illegally in the United States. He also emphasized the need to dismantle the “ecosystem” of human trafficking, which often misguides people into illegal immigration.
At a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump, PM Modi reiterated that India has always maintained a clear stance on this issue. “Those living in foreign countries illegally do not have a legal right to stay there. As for India and the US, we have made it clear that if these individuals are verified as citizens of India, India is ready to take them back,” he said.
PM Modi acknowledged that many of the individuals in question come from ordinary families and are victims of human traffickers who promise false hopes. “These individuals are often misled and brought to foreign lands by traffickers. Our collective effort should be to dismantle this entire ecosystem of human trafficking. Together, the US and India must work to eradicate this system at its roots,” he added.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that President Trump would fully cooperate with India in combating this issue.
In response to recent deportations of illegal immigrants to India by the US, PM Modi highlighted the importance of addressing the conditions under which they were brought back. India has reportedly been in discussions with US authorities to ensure fair treatment for its citizens.
PM Modi also expressed his gratitude to President Trump for approving the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and reiterated the shared commitment of both nations in the fight against terrorism. “India and the US have always been united in combating terrorism. I am thankful to President Trump for deciding to extradite Rana, who played a role in the 2008 attacks. India will ensure justice is served,” PM Modi said.
On the bilateral front, PM Modi highlighted the role of the Indian community in the US in strengthening ties between the two countries and announced plans to open two new consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. “The Indian community is a vital bridge in our relationship. To enhance our people-to-people ties, we will soon open consulates in Los Angeles and Boston,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Quad partnership, which plays a crucial role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “India and the US strengthen democracy through our partnership. The Quad partnership will be central to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. India will host the upcoming Quad summit and we will expand our cooperation in new areas,” PM Modi said.
President Trump echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the importance of the Quad and the strong cooperation among the US, India, Australia, and Japan. “The Quad security partnership, which my administration revitalized in 2017, is crucial for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
In his remarks, President Trump also spoke about new agreements on energy and trade routes. “We have reached an important agreement that will make the US the leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India. We are also working together to establish one of the greatest trade routes in history, which will connect India to Israel, Italy, and the US,” he said.
PM Modi extended a warm invitation to President Trump to visit India again, saying, “The people of India fondly remember your visit in 2020 and look forward to welcoming you again. On behalf of 1.4 billion people of India, I invite you to visit our country.”
The day marked a deepening of the US-India relationship, with both leaders outlining key initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, energy, defense, and global security.
