Fresh friction has emerged between India and Bangladesh over illegal migration and border management.
India has called for faster nationality verification by Dhaka to facilitate deportation procedures under existing agreements.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reiterated that India follows a structured legal and bilateral framework to deal with illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in the country. The remarks came amid renewed tensions after Bangladesh alleged that the Border Security Force (BSF) attempted multiple “push-ins” along different sections of the India-Bangladesh border. India emphasized that repatriation procedures can only move forward after nationality verification by Bangladeshi authorities.

Speaking during the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said all foreign nationals residing illegally in India are dealt with in accordance with the country's laws. He underlined that deportations are carried out only through established bilateral mechanisms and after confirmation of nationality by Bangladesh.

According to the MEA, several requests sent to Dhaka for nationality verification remain pending. India expressed hope that the process would be accelerated to ensure smooth and efficient deportation of illegal migrants.

Bangladesh Raises Push-In Allegations

The latest remarks from New Delhi came after the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) claimed that it had prevented ten alleged “push-in” attempts by BSF personnel over a 24-hour period. According to Bangladeshi authorities, the incidents occurred across border regions including Jhenaidah, Jessore and Panchagarh.

In one of the reported incidents near the Samanta border area in Jhenaidah, BGB alleged that BSF personnel attempted to send 30 to 35 individuals into Bangladesh using a prison van. The force claimed that its personnel, supported by local residents, intervened and the vehicle subsequently retreated.

Bangladesh has also announced increased surveillance and stepped-up patrolling in border areas. Authorities there said they remain committed to preventing illegal crossings and safeguarding the country's territorial integrity.

India Reiterates Legal Process

India has consistently maintained that issues involving illegal foreign nationals are addressed through legal channels and bilateral arrangements. According to the MEA, verification by Bangladeshi authorities is a crucial step before deportation procedures can be completed.

Officials stressed that pending nationality verification requests have delayed the repatriation process. New Delhi has urged Dhaka to expedite these cases to avoid procedural bottlenecks and ensure effective implementation of existing agreements.

Border Management in Focus

The developments come at a time when illegal migration and border security remain sensitive issues in bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Both countries have mechanisms in place to address such matters, but periodic disputes and allegations continue to test coordination between border agencies.

Analysts note that cooperation on migration and verification procedures remains essential to maintaining stability and preventing escalation along the nearly 4,100-kilometre-long border shared by the two neighbours.