India detects 1,104 infiltration attempts along Bangladesh border in 2025

India registered a significant increase in infiltration attempts along its border with Bangladesh in 2025, marking the highest annual figure in nearly ten years, according to official data reviewed by Indian authorities.

An analysis published by NDTV shows that Indian security forces detected 1,104 infiltration attempts along the eastern frontier last year, up from 977 cases in 2024, highlighting a sharp escalation in cross-border movement compared to previous years.

The figures far exceed detections along India's other borders. During the same period, Pakistan accounted for 32 infiltration cases, Myanmar 95, while Nepal and Bhutan together recorded 54, positioning the Bangladesh frontier as the most active and challenging segment for Indian border security agencies.

The surge coincided with a period of political turmoil in Bangladesh following the exit of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government faced widespread unrest, including violent protests and reported attacks on minority communities. The killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh sparked protests in parts of eastern India, including Kolkata and Siliguri, contributing to heightened tensions. Against this backdrop, both countries suspended visa services in December, further straining bilateral relations.

Indian authorities reported detaining more than 2,550 Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter the country illegally in 2025. Arrests rose sharply in the latter half of the year, peaking in October with 380 detentions, followed by September and November. In contrast, monthly arrests during the first half of the year remained below 110, indicating a pronounced late-year escalation.

Security officials suggest that the surge reflects a combination of economic distress, political instability and the activities of organised smuggling networks exploiting porous sections of the border, including riverine routes and char areas. Increased surveillance and intelligence-led operations by Indian agencies have also contributed to higher detection rates.

The developments carry political weight in West Bengal, where Assembly elections are scheduled for April 2026. Identity and citizenship issues have become central to political campaigning, particularly in border districts such as Malda, Nadia and North 24 Parganas. The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls has added to anxieties in these areas, while communal incidents and protests linked to developments in Bangladesh have further polarised the political landscape.

Data trends indicate that infiltration detections often rise during election years, as seen in 2016 and 2021, although analysts caution against drawing direct causal links. Seasonal migration patterns, intensified enforcement drives and political rhetoric are also known to influence detection numbers.

Indian policymakers now face the challenge of balancing border security with humanitarian considerations. Officials have stressed the importance of distinguishing between Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, warning that conflating the two could complicate both enforcement and community relations as the election season approaches.