India Urges Bangladesh to Accelerate Nationality Verification for Undocumented Migrants

India has called upon Bangladesh to hasten the process of verifying the nationality of undocumented migrants, with the aim of ensuring a smooth repatriation process. This request was articulated by Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a regular press briefing held on Thursday.

Jaiswal highlighted that over 2,862 cases concerning nationality verification remain unresolved with Bangladesh, some of which have been pending for more than five years. This situation has added urgency to India’s expectation that Dhaka will take decisive steps to address these cases promptly. The issue of undocumented migrants has become increasingly pertinent, particularly in light of recent political developments and remarks from Bangladeshi officials.

The backdrop to this interaction includes statements made by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who responded to inquiries about reports of Indian border guards allegedly pushing individuals into Bangladesh. Rahman asserted that the Bangladeshi government would implement necessary measures to tackle any related issues. This exchange reflects the delicate balance between the two nations as they navigate complex migration and border concerns.

In recent months, the situation has escalated, particularly following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025. In the aftermath, police in various states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have intensified their scrutiny of Bengali-speaking individuals, predominantly from the Muslim community, compelling them to provide proof of their Indian citizenship. This has led to a rise in detentions and, in some instances, individuals being pushed back into Bangladesh after failing to establish their citizenship status.

Reports have surfaced detailing cases where people were mistakenly deported to Bangladesh only to be re-verified and brought back to India as their citizenship was confirmed. This ongoing challenge brings to light the broader issues of identity, nationality, and the socio-political climate surrounding these communities. As India and Bangladesh continue to address these pressing matters, effective cooperation will be essential for the resolution of pending nationality verification cases and for managing the complex realities of cross-border migration.

Source: scroll.in