India has ramped up its campaign to identify and deport undocumented migrants—particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar—amid growing concerns over national security, demographic shifts, and strained diplomatic ties.
This effort, led by multiple state governments and coordinated with federal agencies, has sparked both domestic debate and international scrutiny.
The Scale of the Crackdown
Since May 2025, India has deported over 2,500 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals in a sweeping operation that spans several states. The campaign, launched on 7 May, involves:
- Mass detentions in Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Assam.
- Transfers to border states like Tripura and Meghalaya.
- Deportations via military aircraft and naval vessels to remote border points such as Mandarbaria island in the Sundarbans.
Push-Back Operations and Legal Concerns
The deportations are often carried out through “push-back” operations, where individuals are expelled without formal judicial review or bilateral coordination. This has raised concerns about:
- Violations of the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines and the 2011 Coordinated Border Management Plan.
- Human rights implications, especially for Rohingya refugees, many of whom fled persecution in Myanmar.
Example: Between 6 and 12 May, Bangladesh’s Border Guards reported that 280 individuals were pushed across the border at unguarded locations.
State-Level Initiatives
- Assam: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported the detention of nearly 1,000 undocumented Bangladeshis, with 303 deported as of June 2025.
- Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan: These states have conducted coordinated raids, using biometric surveillance and digital tracking to identify undocumented migrants.
- Tripura and Meghalaya: These northeastern states serve as transit zones for deportations, with increased Border Security Force (BSF) activity along porous stretches.
Technology and Surveillance
The Foreigners Identification Portal, originally developed in 2018 to track Rohingya refugees, has been expanded to include biometric and demographic data of suspected Bangladeshi migrants. This system is now integrated with:
- Aadhaar (India’s biometric ID system)
- Voter ID and ration card databases
This integration allows authorities to flag and detain individuals whose identities cannot be verified.
Diplomatic Fallout
Bangladesh has formally protested the deportations, calling them unilateral and in violation of established protocols. The issue has become politically sensitive in Dhaka, especially after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.
Example: On 9 May, India reportedly deported 78 individuals by ship to Mandarbaria island, prompting Bangladesh to issue a diplomatic note citing violations of bilateral agreements.
Conclusion
India’s intensified deportation drive reflects a complex intersection of national security, demographic management, and regional diplomacy. While state governments argue that these actions are necessary to maintain internal stability, critics warn of legal and humanitarian consequences. As the campaign continues, the challenge will be balancing enforcement with adherence to international norms and human rights.
