The deportations come after weeks of delays due to fighting between Myanmar's rebel forces and the ruling junta.

Thousands of civilians and troops have crossed the border into India, causing concern for New Delhi, which plans to fence the border and end the visa-free movement policy.

The northeastern state of Manipur deported at least 38 refugees on Thursday, with plans to send back a total of 77 people as it deals with sporadic violence that has killed over 200 people since May 2023.

The Indian Chief Minister of Manipur, N.

Biren Singh, announced the completion of the first phase of deportations in a social media post.

The Indian government is continuing to identify and repatriate illegal immigrants, including one Indian national who was sent back by Myanmar.

India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and does not have laws protecting refugees.

Deportations began in March but were delayed due to fighting in Myanmar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has blamed the refugee influx for violence in Manipur during ongoing national elections.