Mon Jan 27 17:32:07 UTC 2025: ## Modi Congratulates Trump on Second Term, Reaffirms Strong US-India Ties Amidst Immigration Discussions
**Washington D.C./New Delhi –** Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday, offering congratulations on his second term and reaffirming India’s commitment to a strong, mutually beneficial partnership with the United States. The phone call marked the first conversation between the two leaders since Trump’s re-inauguration.
The conversation comes amidst ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding immigration. India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar recently stated India’s willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on the repatriation of Indian citizens residing illegally in the US, while emphasizing India’s support for legal migration of skilled Indian workers. He confirmed that India is prepared to take back its citizens who are undocumented or have overstayed their visas.
The US State Department echoed this sentiment, noting Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discussion with Jaishankar about strengthening economic ties and addressing concerns about irregular migration. India’s External Affairs Ministry further expressed its desire for a “bolder, bigger, and more ambitious” relationship with the US.
The conversation between Modi and Trump follows Trump’s recent executive actions aimed at reforming US immigration policies, including those impacting H-1B visas, a significant pathway for Indian skilled workers to enter the US. The US census shows a substantial Indian-origin population in the US, with nearly 4.8 million residents in 2020 and a significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education. The two nations are now working to navigate these issues while maintaining a strong bilateral relationship.
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