India Urges Faster Bangladesh Checks for Deportation

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addresses a MEA Press Conference, in New Delhi.

India on Thursday said it expects Bangladesh to speed up the nationality verification process for suspected undocumented migrants to help ensure deportations are carried out smoothly and efficiently.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said an existing bilateral mechanism governs the deportation process.

According to Jaiswal, Indian authorities refer suspected cases to Bangladesh for nationality verification before moving forward with deportation procedures.

“As far as deportation is concerned, there is a bilateral mechanism in place. We refer these cases to the Bangladesh side to verify the nationality of these individuals. Once verified, the deportation process is taken forward,” he said.

Jaiswal added that India had submitted multiple verification requests to Bangladesh, many of which remain pending.

“We hope and expect that these cases will be expedited as soon as possible so that the deportation of people staying illegally in India can proceed in a smooth and efficient manner,” he said.

He made the remarks in response to questions over allegations from Bangladesh that Indian authorities had been pushing people across the border into Bangladeshi territory.

Responding to the allegation, Jaiswal said India has legal procedures to address foreign nationals residing in the country without proper documentation.

“For all foreign nationals in India, including those from Bangladesh, if they are staying illegally, we have laws to deal with them, and they will be handled accordingly,” he said.

Asked whether the reported border “push-ins” could affect bilateral relations, Jaiswal said India remains committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and advancing cooperation between the two neighbours.

Responding to a separate question regarding remarks by former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, Jaiswal said he had not yet reviewed the comments.

“I have not seen the remark. Once I see it, I will respond,” he said.