India Urges Bangladesh to Verify Nationality of 2,860 Suspected Illegal Migrants

New Delhi is pushing for the expedited verification of over 2,860 individuals to streamline the deportation of undocumented immigrants amid rising border tensions.

New Delhi has formally called upon Dhaka to expedite the process to verify the nationality of 2,860 individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants residing in India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that many of these requests have remained stagnant for over five years, creating a significant backlog in the bilateral mechanism established to manage cross-border migration.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the government remains committed to a structured approach for handling foreign nationals residing in the country without valid documentation. According to Jaiswal, India adheres to a set of established laws and bilateral procedures, which require the home country to confirm the status of the individuals before any repatriation can proceed. “We expect Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification so that the repatriation of illegal immigrants can take place in a smooth and efficient manner,” he stated during a recent media briefing.

The Context of Rising Border Friction

The diplomatic push comes at a time of heightened sensitivity along the border. Authorities in states like West Bengal and Assam have intensified crackdowns on undocumented entrants, citing security concerns and local administrative priorities. In West Bengal, the newly elected government has adopted a "detect, delete, and deport" policy, which has led to the detention of approximately 400 individuals in state-run facilities. This shift has triggered panic among immigrant populations and prompted public warnings from leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, regarding the expulsion of infiltrators.

The situation has caused friction with the interim administration in Dhaka. Bangladeshi officials have raised concerns over alleged "push-back" operations, where Indian authorities are accused of forcing individuals across the border without formal legal protocols. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, recently warned that Dhaka would take "appropriate action" if such forced removals continue, leading to the summoning of the acting Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pawan Badhe, for formal protests.

Navigating a Diplomatic Challenge

For New Delhi, the primary challenge lies in maintaining bilateral ties while executing domestic policies regarding border integrity. While India insists that it is acting within the framework of existing legal arrangements, the lack of cooperation in verifying the identities of the 2,860 people currently in question has complicated the process.

The backlog of these cases serves as a flashpoint in the broader relationship between the two nations, which has seen shifts since the change of government in Dhaka in August 2024. As India seeks to clear these pending files, the efficacy of the current bilateral mechanism is being tested against the backdrop of aggressive state-level enforcement. For now, the MEA continues to emphasize that the resolution of these cases through official channels remains the only path forward for the smooth repatriation of those identified as foreign nationals under Indian law.