In a determined effort to align with the policies of the new Trump administration, India's government is preparing to identify and repatriate approximately 18,000 illegal Indian migrants currently residing in the United States. This move indicates New Delhi's intention to collaborate with Washington and mitigate the potential for trade disputes, according to reports from South China Morning Post and India Times.

Government officials have communicated that the number of undocumented Indian migrants could be higher than 18,000, as it remains uncertain how many such individuals inhabit the US. Reports indicate that most of these undocumented workers originate from western Indian states, notably Punjab and Gujarat. This diplomatic engagement comes as a reaction to Trump's sustained emphasis on enforcing stricter immigration controls, which has emerged as a key focus of his administration.

To ensure sustained cooperation from the US, India is also seeking guarantees about preserving legal immigration avenues, such as the highly coveted H-1B visa program used for skilled workers. Indian nationals accounted for approximately three-fourths of all H-1B visas issued, reflecting the importance of these legal channels for India's skilled workforce.

Indian officials maintain that legal immigration security is crucial, especially against the backdrop of India's increasing number of migration agreements with various nations, including Taiwan and Saudi Arabia, aimed at addressing domestic job shortages.

Recent data reveals that while Indian migrants constitute only about 3 percent of the total undocumented population in the US, their numbers have been rising, particularly at the northern US border. In contrast, countries like Mexico and Guatemala represent a far larger share of unlawful crossings.

Reports from the Department of Homeland Security estimated that around 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants were living in the US as of 2022, with a notable increase in crossings recently at the less-commercial northern border, where Indian nationals have become a significant portion of the illegal immigrant population.

In fulfilling this commitment to repatriate its citizens, India hopes to prevent any adverse effects on its international labor agreements and future migration policies. Indications from Indian officials suggest a desire to show that it can effectively manage illegal immigration, which might serve to bolster India's position in negotiations on other issues with the US.

With trade tensions looming, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been cautious about provoking Trump's ire, mindful of the US president's threats regarding high import tariffs against India. As Trump has been vocal about perceived immigration control lapses by neighboring countries, India’s cooperation in repatriating undocumented migrants serves a dual purpose: easing diplomatic relations and safeguarding trade agreements.

As this situation evolves, India's proactive approach to addressing issues of illegal immigration might help cement its ties with the new administration in the hopes of a more favorable trade and immigration landscape.