As the first flight carrying Indians deported from the United States, it would do well to remind ourselves that this is being done with the acquiescence of the Indian Government. And rightly so. However, after the Supreme Court’s order of February 4, 2025, directing the immediate deportation of 63 individuals in detention camps, the Assam government and the Union find themselves between a rock and hard place.
Clearly, the deportation process will not be following accepted bilateral procedures on deportation agreed upon earlier between India and the once SheikhHasina ruled Bangladesh. There is a distinct possibility of forcible deportations and pushbacks at the already tense Indo- Bangladesh border.It is also another impediment to normalizing relations with our eastern neighbor. Given the mood of the streets in Dhaka, if Bangladesh shows acquiescence to the deportations by India, it will be a major nail in the coffin being built for the Mohammad Yunus led interim government by a range of actors on the political chessboard for Bangabhaban.
The move is also bound to attract international opprobrium. As is, Raisina Hill does not enjoy the political or economic heft to be able to expend diplomatic capital under President Donal Trump on the issue of immigrants.
