iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
On Thursday, February 13, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s readiness to repatriate its citizens living illegally in the United States and highlighted the need to dismantle the “ecosystem” of human trafficking.
During a joint press conference with President Donald Trump following their bilateral talks, PM Modi stated, “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 the citizens of India – if they live in the U.S. illegally, India is ready to take them back.” He explained that many of these individuals come from ordinary families and are misled by human traffickers, often lured with false promises of a better life.
The Prime Minister further stressed that the real challenge lies in combating the entire human trafficking network. Together, India and the U.S. should work to eliminate this ecosystem and stop human trafficking at its roots, the Indian PM suggested, expressing confidence that President Trump would fully cooperate in this effort.
This remark came after the U.S. had recently deported over 100 Indian nationals, which sparked political controversy due to the conditions under which they were returned. India has been in touch with US authorities to address concerns regarding the deportation process.
PM Modi also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Indian community in strengthening US-India relations and announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston. He said that the Indian diaspora plays an essential role in fostering people-to-people ties, and India is looking forward to enhancing this relationship. Modi also invited U.S. universities to establish offshore campuses in India.
On the issue of terrorism, Modi thanked Trump for approving the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He reiterated the need for solid action to tackle terrorism and expressed confidence in India’s judiciary to deliver justice.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the importance of the Quad in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. “India and America’s partnership strengthens democracy and democratic values. We will work together to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Quad will have an important role in it. This time, India is going to host the Quad summit – we will extend our cooperation in new areas with our partner countries during that. In the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States (I2U2), we will work together for economic corridor and trade infrastructure,” Modi said.
President Trump also expressed his strong support for the Quad partnership, noting the US’s renewed commitment to the security alliance. The Quad is “really crucial to maintain peace, prosperity, tranquillity in the Indo-Pacific”, Trump said.
President Trump reciprocated the sentiment, emphasizing the “special bond” between the US and India. He also announced new agreements to bolster trade and energy ties, including a deal to make the US the leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India. Additionally, Trump highlighted the reform of Indian laws to facilitate the use of US nuclear technology.
“We agreed to work together to help build one of the greatest trade routes in all of history. It will run from India to Israel to Italy and onward to the US, connecting our partners, roads, railways and undersea cables. It is a big development,” Trump said.
(Photo courtesy: x.com/narendramodi)
