India has deported more than 2,000 Bangladeshi nationals in recent weeks as part of a nationwide effort to tackle illegal immigration. Authorities across several states — including Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Tripura, and West Bengal — have stepped up surveillance, verification, and deportation procedures in what officials describe as a coordinated campaign to uphold national security and border integrity.
India’s recent push to deport undocumented Bangladeshi nationals stems from a mix of legal, security, social, and diplomatic considerations.
Like any country, India has the sovereign right to manage who enters and stays within its borders. Those found living in the country without valid documents are considered to be in violation of immigration laws. Officials say deportation is a lawful means to uphold the country’s legal framework and maintain the credibility of its immigration system.
There are also growing security concerns. Intelligence agencies have flagged the risk that unchecked migration could be exploited by anti-national elements. Ensuring that foreign nationals are properly identified and accounted for is seen as a necessary step to prevent such threats.
States bordering Bangladesh — especially Assam and West Bengal — have faced demographic and political pressure due to decades of cross-border movement. Many residents and local leaders in these areas argue that unregulated immigration has altered population balances, stirred ethnic tensions, and contributed to political instability. The controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was partly aimed at identifying such undocumented migrants.
Economically, illegal immigration adds pressure to public resources and welfare systems, particularly in densely populated or economically weaker regions. It may also create friction in local job markets, where undocumented workers often compete for low-wage, informal employment.
On the diplomatic front, India and Bangladesh have established protocols for dealing with migration issues. However, the process is often delayed due to the time-consuming task of verifying the identity and nationality of those slated for deportation. Indian officials maintain that the ongoing deportations are based on legal criteria and are not aimed at any specific community or country.
Assam: Pushbacks Prompt Court Petitions
Assam has been at the forefront of this crackdown. Nearly 49 people identified as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were pushed back across the border on May 27 and 29. These “pushbacks” — where individuals are moved into the no-man’s land between India and Bangladesh — have sparked legal challenges, with relatives approaching the Supreme Court and Gauhati High Court to trace their loved ones.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the move, saying over 30,000 declared foreigners have vanished over the years. He added that the state is following due process and those affected still have the right to appeal in court.
Delhi: 121 Bangladeshi Nationals Detained and Deported
In Delhi, a recent verification drive by the police led to the detention and deportation of 121 Bangladeshi nationals. The operation, carried out in the outer north district, involved checking documents of over 800 residents. Deportation orders were issued after coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Police also detained five Indian landlords who had rented out homes to undocumented migrants. Their role is being investigated to determine if they knowingly sheltered illegal residents.
Gujarat: More Deportations Underway
Gujarat’s Ahmedabad Crime Branch has deported 16 Bangladeshi nationals so far and is preparing to send back another 36. Since mid-2024, authorities have detained at least 52 Bangladeshi nationals across the state. Their identities have been confirmed with assistance from the Bangladesh High Commission, and formal deportation procedures are underway.
Tripura: Illegal Crossings Continue
Tripura, which shares a long border with Bangladesh, has seen repeated attempts at illegal crossings. On February 6, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel apprehended 19 Bangladeshi nationals. Between January 2024 and February 2025, at least 29 individuals were deported through border checkpoints.
Those caught are being handed over to local police and charged under relevant sections of India’s Foreigners Act and Passport Act.
West Bengal: Arrests and Interceptions on the Rise
In West Bengal, BSF intercepted 40 people attempting to enter India illegally at various points in Cooch Behar last week. In a separate incident, five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in Nadia district for allegedly overstaying in the country for over a year without legal documentation.
India Urges Bangladesh to Speed Up Nationality Verification
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asked the Bangladesh government to fast-track the verification process for more than 2,300 individuals still awaiting deportation. Many of these individuals have already completed jail terms but cannot be repatriated due to pending nationality confirmation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said delays in verification — some ongoing since 2020 — are holding up the process. He emphasized that India will act in accordance with the law and expects timely cooperation from Dhaka to move the deportations forward.
A Broader National Effort
From metro cities to border states, India is clearly stepping up its efforts to deal with illegal immigration. While the move has been welcomed by some for its focus on national security, others have raised concerns about legal rights and humanitarian issues, especially in cases where individuals have lived in India for decades.
The coming weeks may see even tighter enforcement as authorities continue verifying identities and coordinating with Bangladesh for further repatriations.
