US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the United States in February. Speaking to news agency Reuters, Trump said, “He (PM Modi) will visit the US sometime in February.”
This announcement follows the first phone conversation between President Trump and PM Modi since Trump began his second term on January 20. The call comes amidst speculation in diplomatic circles that India has been working to arrange an early meeting between the two leaders to strengthen bilateral relations.
During the call, President Trump highlighted discussions on immigration issues, stating that India would “do what is right” in addressing the return of illegal immigrants. Immigration has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political agenda, with a particular emphasis on cracking down on illegal entries, a key focus of his re-election campaign.
PM Modi’s last US visit
Prime Minister Modi’s last visit to the United States was in September of the previous year. During that trip, he participated in the Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by then-President Joe Biden, alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Modi also addressed the United Nations General Assembly’s “Summit of the Future” in New York, underscoring India’s role in global affairs.
White house statement on Modi-Trump call
A statement issued by the White House described the call between President Trump and PM Modi as “productive,” highlighting discussions on expanding and deepening cooperation between the two nations. It further mentioned potential plans for PM Modi to visit the United States.
“The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations. Both leaders emphasised their commitment to advancing the US-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year,” the statement read.
The strengthening of the Quad alliance remains a key element of US-India relations, as both countries aim to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The proposed visit by Modi to the US reflects the shared commitment to these strategic goals.
Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration
Since taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has intensified efforts to address illegal immigration. The issue has taken centre stage, with Trump frequently citing the strain undocumented migrants place on resources, public safety, and the economy.
On January 22, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order initiating what he referred to as the “largest mass deportation operation in history.” This bold move fulfils a major campaign promise and specifically targets undocumented migrants, particularly those entering from the southern border.
According to a Pew Research Center report covering 2019–2022, India ranks third in the number of undocumented migrants in the US, with over 725,000 individuals, following Mexico and El Salvador. Reports suggest that in 2023 alone, nearly 90,000 Indian nationals were apprehended attempting to cross into the United States illegally.
India’s role in addressing immigration issues
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged its cooperation with US authorities in addressing the deportation of Indian nationals living illegally in the US. Thus far, approximately 18,000 Indian nationals have been identified for deportation. The MEA emphasised that India remains firmly opposed to illegal immigration, citing its links to organised crime and human trafficking networks.
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To ensure fairness and adherence to international law, the Indian government has stated that only individuals whose nationality has been verified through proper documentation will be accepted for deportation. The process reflects a broader effort by both countries to address immigration concerns while maintaining strong bilateral ties.
Broader implications of Modi’s visit
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States is expected to further cement the strategic partnership between the two nations. Key areas of focus will likely include trade, technology collaboration, defence cooperation, and immigration issues.
The visit also presents an opportunity to strengthen ties within the Indo-Pacific region, particularly through the Quad alliance. With India set to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year, Modi’s US visit will serve as a precursor to deeper engagements on regional security and economic development.
As both nations navigate complex global challenges, the Modi-Trump meeting is poised to reaffirm the shared values and mutual goals that underpin the US-India partnership.
