India Prepares to Repatriate 18,000 Citizens from the US to Strengthen Ties with Trump Administration

India is poised to take a major step in addressing the issue of illegal immigration, particularly in light of mounting pressure from the United States under Donald Trump’s administration. The Indian government has agreed to cooperate with the US in identifying and repatriating thousands of its citizens who are residing illegally in America, a move seen as part of a broader strategy to protect vital immigration and trade relations.

According to insider sources, the US has identified approximately 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants for deportation. However, the actual figure could be significantly higher as the exact number of undocumented Indian nationals in the US remains unclear. Many of these individuals are believed to hail from the western Indian states of Punjab and Gujarat, where migration to the US has long been viewed as a pathway to better economic opportunities.

Rising Tide of Indian Migrants

While Indians account for a modest 3% of total illegal border crossings encountered by US authorities, the numbers have been steadily increasing. Indian migrants are particularly prominent at the US's northern border with Canada, where they make up nearly a quarter of all illegal crossings. This surge has drawn significant attention, especially as the US ramps up efforts to curb unlawful migration from all sources.

India’s Dual Strategy: Compliance and Negotiation

India’s cooperation on deporting illegal migrants serves multiple purposes. By demonstrating goodwill, the Modi government hopes to maintain favorable immigration policies for Indian nationals, particularly in critical areas like the H-1B visa program and student visas. Indians have been the primary beneficiaries of the H-1B program, securing nearly 75% of the 386,000 visas granted in 2023.

Moreover, a failure to address illegal migration could have ripple effects on India’s labor and mobility agreements with other nations. With rising unemployment at home, the Indian government has been keen to forge migration pacts with countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, which offer opportunities for skilled workers.

Repatriation as a Political and Security Tool

Beyond economic considerations, the deportation of illegal migrants could help India address domestic security concerns. New Delhi has been particularly vigilant about curbing the Khalistan movement, a separatist campaign seeking a Sikh homeland in India. Officials believe some supporters of this movement in the US and Canada are undocumented migrants, and their deportation could weaken the movement’s international foothold.

India’s recent efforts align with its existing cooperation with the US on migration enforcement. For instance, in October, a repatriation flight brought over 100 Indian nationals back to the country, adding to the more than 1,100 deportations over the previous year.

Avoiding a Trade Standoff

India’s proactive approach to illegal migration is also driven by concerns over potential trade conflicts with the US. Trump has often criticized India’s high tariffs on American goods and has threatened reciprocal measures. By aligning itself with Trump’s agenda on illegal immigration, India aims to reduce tensions and prevent a costly trade war that could harm its economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is wary of Trump’s unpredictable policies, particularly as the US president has already targeted Mexico and Canada with plans for steep tariffs and stricter border controls. India’s cooperation, therefore, is part of a calculated effort to stay on Trump’s good side while securing long-term benefits for its citizens.

Uncertain Future

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The northern US border’s growing role as a gateway for illegal Indian migrants raises questions about enforcement strategies on both sides. Analysts suggest that the cessation of visa-free travel for Indians to El Salvador in 2023 and easier access to Canada have contributed to the shift in migration patterns.

As India moves to repatriate its citizens and align itself with US priorities, it walks a fine line between compliance and safeguarding its own interests. With global migration trends evolving and geopolitical stakes rising, this issue is likely to remain a focal point in India-US relations in the coming years.