Indian students in the United States, numbering over 300,000, contribute more than $8 billion annually to the US economy and play a vital role in job creation. Recognizing this, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have pledged to facilitate legal mobility for students and professionals while also addressing illegal immigration.
During a bilateral meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties and acknowledged the mutual benefits of talent exchange. They highlighted the positive impact of Indian students, researchers, and employees in fostering innovation and strengthening economic and academic ties between the two nations.
To enhance educational collaboration, Modi and Trump committed to promoting joint and dual-degree programs, establishing Centers of Excellence, and enabling US institutions to set up offshore campuses in India. These initiatives aim to improve learning outcomes and develop a globally competitive workforce.
On security and immigration, the two leaders agreed to take decisive action against illegal immigration networks, organized crime, human trafficking, and other threats to national security. They stressed the need for innovative, secure mobility frameworks to support legal travel and professional exchanges while combating unlawful migration.
Additionally, Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation. They pledged to maintain high-level engagement between governments, industries, and academic institutions to build a long-term strategic partnership. Their shared vision focuses on fostering prosperity, enhancing global stability, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
By promoting legal avenues for education and professional exchange while tackling security challenges, India and the US aim to deepen their collaboration, benefiting both nations economically and strategically.
