US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised concerns about “irregular migration” with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, according to a statement from the State Department.
“Secretary Rubio emphasized the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with India while addressing concerns related to irregular migration,” the statement said on Tuesday.
Newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump, who took office on Monday, has already issued a series of executive orders aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. These measures align with his campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.
According to Bloomberg, the Indian government has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the Trump administration in identifying and repatriating Indian nationals living illegally in the US. The report states that both countries have identified approximately 18,000 Indian migrants who could face deportation.
Focus on H-1B Visas
In a related development, the ongoing debate over H-1B visas—a program that allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers—has drawn significant attention. India has emphasized that the movement of skilled professionals is a cornerstone of India-US relations, benefiting both nations.
President Trump, along with prominent billionaire Elon Musk, has expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, despite opposition from some segments of Trump’s political base. Musk even vowed to “go to war” to defend the program.
India, home to a vast pool of IT professionals, remains the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, Indian nationals accounted for about 78% of the 265,777 H-1B visas issued by the US.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
Rubio’s meeting with Jaishankar took place against the backdrop of broader discussions involving the Quad, a strategic alliance comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia. During a photo opportunity on January 21, 2025, Rubio was seen with Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the State Department in Washington, DC.
The US and India continue to deepen their cooperation on economic, security, and migration-related issues, reflecting the growing importance of their bilateral ties in the global arena.
