India Plans to Deport Over 2,680 Suspected Bangladeshi Nationals

The Indian government has announced plans to deport over 2,680 suspected Bangladeshi nationals once their citizenship is confirmed by Bangladesh. This move is significant for Assam and other northeastern states, where illegal immigration has long been a contentious issue. The Ministry of External Affairs has referred these cases for verification, and the government is awaiting a response from Bangladesh to proceed with deportations. This development is part of a broader effort to address demographic changes and strengthen border management in the region, which has been a focal point of political discourse for decades. The establishment of a High-Level Committee to study these demographic shifts further underscores the importance of this issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 09:39 IST

Significant Move by the Indian Government

An image of BSF personnel foiling an infiltration bid in Indo-Bangla border

New Delhi, May 30: In a significant announcement, the Indian government has indicated its readiness to deport over 2,680 individuals suspected of being Bangladeshi nationals, pending verification of their citizenship by Bangladesh. This decision could have far-reaching effects on Assam and other northeastern states facing challenges related to illegal immigration.

During a press conference in New Delhi, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), revealed that India has already submitted more than 2,680 cases to Bangladeshi officials for nationality confirmation.

Jaiswal stated, "All illegal immigrants residing in India will be addressed according to the law. We have referred over 2,680 cases to Bangladesh for nationality verification. Once this process is completed, we will be able to proceed with the deportation of these individuals."

He also mentioned that many of these verification requests have been pending for over five years.

India anticipates a prompt response from Bangladesh to facilitate the deportation process under the existing bilateral agreements.

This announcement is particularly crucial for Assam and several northeastern states that share borders with Bangladesh.

The issue of illegal immigration has been a politically charged topic in the region, raising concerns about its effects on demographics, land rights, resources, and the rights of indigenous populations.

For decades, this issue has been central to Assam's political landscape, influencing movements like the Assam Agitation and shaping policies such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) updates.

In light of this development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has recently established a High-Level Committee to analyze demographic changes scientifically across the nation.

This committee will investigate changes resulting from illegal immigration, irregular population movements, and unusual settlement patterns.

The formation of this committee has garnered attention in the Northeast, where reports of cross-border infiltration are frequently reported.

States like Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram have consistently emphasized the necessity for enhanced border management and effective strategies to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

The latest statement from the Centre is expected to be closely monitored in Assam, where illegal migration remains a pressing public issue and a critical component of governance and border security discussions.