India - July 2025

Since May 2025, Indian authorities have forcibly expelled hundreds of ethnic Bengali Muslims to Bangladesh without due process, some of whom are Indian citizens according to Human Rights Watch and opposition leaders. At least 1,500 persons were expelled between 7 May and 15 June, per Bangladeshi authorities. Rights groups note that individuals were arbitrarily detained and physically abused as part of the process. In May, United Nations officials also raised concerns about Rohingya refugees being expelled and forced into the sea near Myanmar. The Indian government maintains that it is legally expelling undocumented migrants and non-Indian citizens. The expulsions follow a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in May, setting a 30-day deadline for states to verify the credentials of undocumented immigrants. The deportations mark the latest escalation of Assam’s long-running ’expulsion politics,’ where Muslim minorities labelled as foreigners have been subject to removals and disenfranchisement.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, The Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Hindu, Fortify Rights