India’s proactive approach to repatriating illegal immigrants seeks to safeguard skilled worker visas and solidify ties with the Trump administration to avoid a trade war

In a strategic move to bolster its relationship with the Trump administration, India has agreed to cooperate on the repatriation of approximately 18,000 Indian citizens residing illegally in the United States. The announcement follows discussions between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, focusing on the issue of “irregular migration.”

India’s commitment to facilitating the return of its citizens comes amid President Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration, where he aims to deport millions of undocumented migrants. By addressing the issue, India aims to avert a potential trade war with the US, seeking to safeguard legal immigration channels, particularly the H-1B visa programme, which is crucial for India’s large IT sector.

India accounts for a substantial portion of H-1B visas issued annually by the US, and with President Trump’s backing of the programme, New Delhi hopes this cooperation will encourage the continued flow of skilled workers. In fiscal year 2023, India received 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued.

This cooperation is also viewed as a tactical effort to disrupt international support networks for secessionist movements like Khalistan, which have been a concern for the Indian government. By addressing illegal immigration, India hopes to bolster its geopolitical and economic interests while strengthening ties with the US under the Trump administration.