According to reports, the incident unfolded after Indian authorities allegedly detained dozens of Rohingya refugees residing in Delhi late last week. Many of these individuals reportedly possessed refugee identification documents.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, has launched an inquiry into disturbing allegations that Rohingya refugees were forcibly removed from an Indian naval vessel and left in the Andaman Sea last week. Andrews described such actions as “unconscionable, unacceptable acts” and urged the Indian government to cease any inhumane treatment and repatriation of Rohingya refugees to the perilous conditions in Myanmar.
The allegations, if confirmed, would represent a grave violation of international law, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to a territory where they face serious threats to their lives or freedom.
“The idea that Rohingya refugees have been cast into the sea from naval vessels is nothing short of outrageous,” stated Andrews. “I am seeking further information and testimony regarding these developments and implore the Indian government to provide a full accounting of what happened.”
According to reports, the incident unfolded after Indian authorities allegedly detained dozens of Rohingya refugees residing in Delhi late last week. Many of these individuals reportedly possessed refugee identification documents. Approximately 40 members of this group were then reportedly blindfolded, flown to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and subsequently transferred to an Indian naval ship.
Prior Concerns
The reports further detail a shocking sequence of events in the Andaman Sea. After the vessel had sailed a certain distance, the refugees were allegedly given life jackets, forced into the water, and instructed to swim towards an island within Myanmar territory. While the refugees are reported to have survived the swim to shore, their current whereabouts and condition remain unknown, raising serious concerns for their safety and well-being.
Adding to the alarm, Andrews also highlighted reports that approximately 100 Rohingya refugees were removed from a detention center in Assam State and transported to an area along the border with Bangladesh. The current status and location of this group are also unknown.
These recent incidents follow prior concerns raised by the Special Rapporteur regarding India’s treatment of Rohingya refugees. On March 3, 2025, Andrews sent a communication to the Indian government expressing concerns about the widespread, arbitrary, and indefinite detention of refugees and asylum seekers, including Rohingya individuals fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The communication also addressed allegations of refoulement. Andrews had called upon the Indian government to end the arbitrary detention and provide access to detention facilities.
“I am deeply concerned by what appears to be a blatant disregard for the lives and safety of those who require international protection,” Andrews emphasised. “Such cruel actions would be an affront to human decency and represent a serious violation of the principle of non-refoulement.”
Threat of Violence
Andrews reiterated the urgent need to end any forced repatriation of Rohingya refugees, who continue to face the threat of violence, persecution, and other severe human rights violations in their homeland.
“The Government of India must immediately and unequivocally repudiate unconscionable acts against Rohingya refugees, stop all deportations to Myanmar, and ensure that those responsible for these blatant violations of India’s international obligations are held responsible,” Andrews asserted.
The UN expert’s inquiry is expected to gather further details and testimonies to ascertain the full extent of these alleged actions and hold those responsible accountable. The international community will be closely watching India’s response to these serious allegations and the fate of the vulnerable Rohingya refugee population within its borders.
India is not a signatory to the UN Convention on Refugees.
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