New Delhi: India on Thursday asked Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification to facilitate repatriation of illegal immigrants, describing it as a key bilateral issue.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said over 2,800 cases of nationality verification were pending with Bangladesh, some for more than five years. He said India expects cooperation to ensure repatriation of illegal foreign nationals in accordance with established procedures.
The remarks follow recent comments by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on alleged “pushback” of illegal immigrants across the border, which drew a response from Bangladesh.
Jaiswal said such comments should be viewed in the context of the larger issue of repatriation, adding that India’s policy is to return illegal foreign nationals as per law and bilateral arrangements. The development comes amid improving ties between New Delhi and Dhaka under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following a period of strain during the tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
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