India Expels Rohingya Refugees and Muslim Citizens

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned by the Indian government’s expulsion of Rohingya refugees back to Burma. This effort to deport Rohingya refugees, who are predominately Muslim, also comes during a campaign to expel hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims to Bangladesh in recent weeks, marking a concerning implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

“The Indian government’s expulsion of Rohingya refugees is a blatant disregard for international law and the principle of non-refoulement,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “The Indian authorities must immediately end this unlawful expulsion and arbitrary detention of refugees, who are at risk of severe persecution if forced to return to Burma.”

The escalating crackdown and characterization of Bengali-speaking Muslims and Rohingya as non-citizens sets a dangerous precedent for religious freedom in India. In May, Indian authorities reportedly deported 40 Rohingya refugees, forcing them to make a dangerous journey by boat to Burma. India has hosted thousands of Rohingya refugees since 2017 but does not formally recognize them as refugees under the Foreigners Act. Similarly, the Indian government deems Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam as “illegal immigrants” from Bangladesh. Since May, Indian authorities have sent hundreds of Muslims to Bangladesh without due process.

“Forcing Muslims to prove their citizenship is a direct targeting of individuals based on their religious identity, and directly violates India’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Commissioner Stephen Schneck. “We urge the Trump Administration to incorporate religious freedom into its bilateral engagement with the Indian government, emphasizing the need for protections for Muslim populations and other religious minorities.”

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.

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