A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of climate induced migration research in the Bay of Bengal islands with a focused case study of the Indian Sundarbans

The Bay of Bengal islands are some of the world's most climate-vulnerable island communities, where sea-level rise, cyclonic intensification, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion are systematically eroding habitability and driving large-scale human displacement. Despite escalating risks, peer-reviewed evidence on climate-induced migration across these island territories remains fragmented and methodologically inconsistent. This systematic review applies the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to synthesise existing literature on climate-induced migration across Bay of Bengal Island communities. A structured search across Scopus and J store; following rigorous screening and then selection. Thematic synthesis identified four primary displacement drivers: sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, cyclone exposure, and livelihood collapse, alongside pronounced gendered and socioeconomic disparities in migration outcomes. Current displacement patterns are predominantly temporary and circular; however, projections indicate an irreversible shift toward permanent cross-border migration by 2050 under moderate emissions scenarios. Critical governance deficits persist, particularly regarding stateless populations and legal recognition of climate migrants. This review underscores the urgent need for regionally coordinated adaptation frameworks and advocates for a dedicated climate mobility protocol for India.