Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that India is willing to take back its nationals living illegally in the United States and stressed the need to dismantle the “ecosystem” of human trafficking.
PM Modi expressed confidence that President Donald Trump would fully cooperate with India in eliminating human trafficking networks.
“Those who stay in other countries illegally do not have any legal right to be there. As far as India and the US are concerned, we have always said that those who are verified and are truly citizens of India—if they are living in the US illegally—India is ready to take them back,” PM Modi said while responding to a query at a joint press conference with President Trump following their bilateral talks.
He pointed out that most people staying illegally are from ordinary families who have been misled by human traffickers.
“But for us, it does not stop there. These individuals come from ordinary families. They are shown big dreams and are often misled and brought here. We must dismantle the entire system of human trafficking. The US and India must work together to eliminate this ecosystem at its root so that human trafficking comes to an end. Our larger fight is against this system, and we are confident that President Trump will fully cooperate with India in this effort,” he added.
Recently, the US deported over 100 Indians, whom it identified as illegal immigrants, on a military plane with “restraints,” causing a political uproar in India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had addressed the deportation issue in Parliament. Officials have stated that India has been in contact with US authorities regarding concerns over the conditions under which people are repatriated.
During his remarks, PM Modi acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community in the US in strengthening bilateral relations and announced that India would open two new consulates in Los Angeles and Boston.
“The Indian community in the US is an important link in our relationship. To enhance people-to-people ties, we will soon open our consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. We have also invited US universities to establish offshore campuses in India,” he said.
PM Modi also thanked President Trump for approving the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
“India and the US have always stood together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that strong action must be taken to eliminate terrorism originating from across the border. I am grateful to the President for approving the extradition of a criminal who committed crimes in India in 2008. The courts in India will take the necessary legal action,” he said.
Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Economic Corridors
PM Modi emphasized the role of the Quad in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“India and the US share a partnership that strengthens democracy and democratic values. We will work together to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, with the Quad playing a key role. India will host the Quad summit this year, where we will expand cooperation in new areas with our partner countries. We will also collaborate on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the I2U2 initiative with Israel, the UAE, and the US to develop trade infrastructure and economic corridors,” he said.
President Trump reaffirmed the US commitment to the Quad partnership.
“In 2017, my administration revived and strengthened the Quad security partnership. The Prime Minister and I reaffirm the strong cooperation among the US, India, Australia, and Japan, which is crucial for maintaining peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Trump stated.
PM Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India, recalling his previous trip in 2020.
“The people of India still remember your visit in 2020 and hope to welcome you again. On behalf of 140 crore Indians, I invite you to visit India,” he said.
President Trump praised the “special bond” between the US and India and announced new agreements to further strengthen ties.
“I am thrilled to welcome PM Modi to the White House. We have spent a lot of time together here and in India. I visited your beautiful country five years ago, and it was an incredible experience. The US and India, the world’s oldest and largest democracies, share a special bond. Today, the Prime Minister and I are announcing a framework to strengthen our relationship further,” Trump said.
He also announced agreements on energy imports and trade routes.
“The Prime Minister and I have reached an important agreement on energy, ensuring that the US will be a leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India—hopefully, the number one supplier. Additionally, in a groundbreaking development for the US nuclear industry, India is reforming its laws to welcome US nuclear technology at the highest level in the Indian market,” he stated.
“We have also agreed to work together to build one of the greatest trade routes in history. This corridor will run from India to Israel to Italy and then to the US, connecting our partners through roads, railways, and undersea cables. It is a major development,” he added.
(ANI)
