Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long enjoyed warm ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, famously hugging him during past meetings and maintaining a close diplomatic rapport. Yet, despite their relationship, Modi has been unable to prevent the U.S. from deporting Indian migrants in record numbers.
Just days before Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington, where he will be among the first foreign leaders to meet Trump in his second term, a U.S. military aircraft deported at least 104 Indian citizens. The C-17 flight, the longest-distance deportation mission under Trump’s administration, carried migrants from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab, landing in Amritsar on Wednesday.
Modi and Trump recently discussed illegal immigration during a phone call, with Trump stating he expects India to “do the right thing” regarding undocumented migrants. But this has not stopped mass deportations, nor has it eased concerns in India, where local leaders and affected families are urging the government to address the root causes of migration.
The number of Indians attempting to enter the U.S. illegally has surged from 8,027 in 2018-2019 to nearly 97,000 in 2022-2023. Many take dangerous routes through Latin America, often spending tens of thousands of dollars, only to be detained and deported shortly after arrival. While unemployment and economic distress are driving migration, Modi’s government has been criticized for not doing enough to provide opportunities at home.
Meanwhile, U.S.-India relations remain complex. Modi has so far managed to avoid U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, even cutting duties on goods like Harley-Davidson motorcycles to placate Trump. However, trade tensions persist, with Trump calling India a “tariff king” in the past.
As Modi prepares for his U.S. visit, the deportation of Indian migrants underscores a stark reality—his personal camaraderie with Trump has done little to shield Indian citizens from the U.S. president’s hardline immigration policies.