India to Deport Over 2,360 Illegal Immigrants, Urges Bangladesh to Accelerate Verification
New Delhi, May 23, 2025 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that India will deport more than 2,360 illegal immigrants currently residing in the country, with a significant number believed to be of Bangladeshi origin. The ministry has called on Bangladesh to expedite the verification process to facilitate the repatriation of these individuals.
“We urge Bangladesh to accelerate their verification process to ensure the repatriation of these individuals proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary delays,” an MEA spokesperson said in a statement. The ministry emphasized that the deportation process will adhere to international protocols and be conducted in a humane and legally compliant manner.
The announcement is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and enforce immigration laws. The government has intensified measures to identify and deport individuals residing in the country without valid documentation. According to officials, the deportation process will commence once foreign authorities, particularly from Bangladesh, complete the verification of the immigrants’ identities and nationalities.
The initiative follows years of heightened focus on illegal immigration, particularly in states bordering Bangladesh, such as Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura. The Indian government has implemented stricter monitoring mechanisms, including enhanced coordination with state authorities and the Border Security Force (BSF), to curb unauthorized border crossings. In 2024 alone, over 1,500 illegal immigrants were detained in Assam and West Bengal, with many awaiting verification and deportation.
The MEA’s statement comes amid diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh to address the issue of illegal migration. India has consistently raised concerns about porous borders and the need for robust mechanisms to manage cross-border movement. In recent bilateral talks, both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation on border security and streamline the repatriation process.
Officials noted that the 2,360 individuals identified for deportation are part of a larger group detained in various parts of the country, including detention centers in Assam and other northeastern states. The verification process involves confirming the nationality and identity of each individual through coordination with foreign embassies, a step that often faces delays due to incomplete documentation or lack of cooperation from the immigrants’ home countries.
The Indian government has also faced criticism from human rights organizations, which have called for greater transparency and sensitivity in handling deportations. In response, the MEA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the process respects international human rights standards. “Every effort is being made to ensure the process is fair, transparent, and in line with global norms,” the spokesperson added.
The deportation drive aligns with India’s broader national security agenda, which includes modernizing border infrastructure and leveraging technology to monitor illegal immigration. In recent years, the government has invested in advanced surveillance systems and fencing along the 4,096-kilometer India-Bangladesh border to deter unauthorized crossings.
As the verification process continues, the MEA has assured that logistical arrangements, including transportation and coordination with foreign authorities, will be finalized promptly to ensure a seamless repatriation process. The ministry also called on other neighboring countries to cooperate in addressing the issue of illegal immigration, underscoring India’s commitment to regional security and lawful migration practices.
