In a recent statement, India has called upon Bangladesh to hasten the verification process for undocumented migrants hailing from Bangladesh. This appeal comes as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasizes the need for a smooth repatriation of these individuals. During a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that over 2,862 nationality verification cases remain unresolved, with some pending for more than five years.
This development follows remarks by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, made in the context of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recent electoral success in West Bengal. When questioned about reports alleging that Indian border guards were forcibly pushing individuals into Bangladesh, Rahman affirmed that Dhaka would take necessary measures to address such concerns.
The issue of undocumented migrants has gained traction, especially following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. In the aftermath of this incident, law enforcement agencies in several BJP-ruled states have intensified scrutiny of Bengali-speaking individuals, predominantly targeting the Muslim community. Many have faced detention and have been asked to prove their citizenship, leading to the troubling scenario where individuals who could not provide sufficient documentation were forcibly sent back to Bangladesh.
Reports indicate that some of these individuals were mistakenly expelled to Bangladesh, only to be repatriated after Indian authorities confirmed their citizenship status. This situation has raised significant concerns over the rights and dignity of those involved, as well as the broader implications for India-Bangladesh relations.
As the Indian government pushes for a resolution, the spotlight is on how both nations will navigate these sensitive issues moving forward. The call for expedited nationality verification is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that the rights of migrants are protected while addressing national security concerns. The ongoing dialogue and cooperation between India and Bangladesh will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of undocumented migrants and their status on either side of the border.
