Round The World

New Delhi, 7 February 2025

Illegal Immigrants Deported

INDIA AND TRUMPERICA!

By Prof.(Dr)D. K. Giri

(Prof. NIIS Group of Institutions, Odisha) 

A planeload of illegal immigrantswas deported to India. They were brought by a military aircraft, perhaps as a symbolic show of power. Part of the Indian media has sharply reacted. The government is mute as it has agreed to take back the illegals. Add to this, Donald Trump's threat to impose tariff. And the phone call last week between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump when the latter asked the Indian Prime Minister to buy weapons from America. Again, the media called it bullying. Do these incidents indicate a downslide in India-America relations? 

A spokesperson for the US embassy declined to share details of the flight and said: “The United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: Illegal migration is not worth the risk.” Apparently, Trump has increasingly turned to the US military to help carry out his immigration agenda, including sending additional troops to the southern border with Mexico, using military aircraft to deport migrants, and opening military bases to house these. It is said that the Pentagon has provided flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants held by the US authorities at El Paso in Texas and San Diego in California and military aircraft have flown migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras so far. 

Recall, the US deported over 1,100 illegal migrants from India between October 2023 and September 2024. The last publicly acknowledged US flight that brought back Indians was on October 22, when about 100 illegal migrants were repatriated to India on a charter flight. And there has been a “steady increase” in deportations of illegal Indian migrants from the US in recent years, the official said during a virtual briefing last year. 

Last month, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a media that New Delhi is opposed to illegal immigration because of its links to several forms of organised crime, and it shall take back all Indians who have either overstayed in the US or are there without documentation. He, however, said India will accept such migrants only after verifying their nationality 

Arguably, the above developments are part of Donald Trump’s election promises to defend American interests first in order ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA). From the Indian point of view, I have argued against illegal immigrants. Why should New Delhi defend those who migrate illegally by crossing the porous American-Mexican borders riding on donkeys etc? 

Second, imposing tariffs is Trump’s trump card in his foreign policy. It is a matter of negotiation and possible retribution by the trading countries. Third, Trump would try to trade in armament which is the main source of foreign exchange for America and other Western countries. Sadly, New Delhi is following suit by deepening the arms production and expanding its defence sales.  

The question to investigate is if India and American relations are going down the hill? Not really. Let us point to some key parameters that will demonstrate how the relations are experiencing a ratchet growth. If they are slowing down or reversing, it is due to India’s equivocation and its obsession with strategic autonomy, non-alignment and multi-alignment instead of concrete and solid security partnerships lack of which risk India’s security and imposes heavy burden on its resources in building deterrence etc. 

In fact, India-American relations have witnessed significant developments since Donald Trump became the President of the United States on January 21, 2025. Despite initial concerns about potential friction, the relationship between the two nations has remained strong, with both countries continuing to engage in dialogue and cooperation on various fronts. 

One of the key areas of focus for India-American relations has been trade and economic ties. Trump’s administration has been pushing for greater trade liberalization and reduction of trade deficits. India, on the other hand, has been seeking greater market access for its goods and services. Despite these differences, both countries have been engaged in negotiations to strengthen their trade relationship. The tariff threat will gradually disappear as Trump reviews the global security scenario and its implications for American trade and economy.  

Defence pacts has been another significant area of collaboration between India and the US. The two countries have been engaged in discussions to enhance their defence partnership, including the sale of advanced military equipment to India. Trump's administration has also been supportive of India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). His nudge to Modi to buy from USA fits into the evolving framework of partnership in this area. 

The India-US strategic partnership has been a key aspect of their relationship. Both countries have been engaged in discussions to strengthen their partnership in areas such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. Trump’s administration has also been supportive of India's role in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad will undergo radical transformation which New Delhi should be ready for unless it wishes to be left out. 

Despite the positive developments in India-American relations, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key challenges has been the issue of trade deficits, with the US seeking greater market access for its goods and services. Another challenge has been the issue of immigration, with the US seeking to restrict the flow of immigrants from India.  

Despite these challenges, the India-US relationship remains strong, with both countries committed to strengthening their partnership. The way forward for the relationship will depend on the ability of both countries to address their differences and find common ground on key issues. This will require sustained dialogue and engagement between the two countries, as well as a willingness to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions. America should make a string commitment to India shedding its label of unreliability and New Delhi has to make up its mind in which side it is only. 

In conclusion, India-American relations have witnessed significant developments since Donald Trump became the President of the United States. Despite initial concerns about potential friction, the relationship between the two nations has remained strong, with both countries continuing to engage in dialogue and cooperation on various fronts. As the relationship moves forward, it will be important for both countries to address their differences and find common ground on key issue, and in mutual interest. ---INFA

(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)