Post by : Shakul

India has stated that Bangladesh failed to provide an “actionable response” to repeated diplomatic communications regarding the repatriation of suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants living in India. According to a diplomatic document released by Indian authorities, New Delhi has sent more than 1,000 diplomatic notes and 456 consolidated reminders to Dhaka since September 2020 but has not received the level of cooperation required to address the issue effectively.

The matter was highlighted in a diplomatic note, also known as a note verbale, sent by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to Bangladesh on April 30, 2026. The communication came shortly after Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian envoy in Dhaka to protest against remarks made by Assam’s then Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding border-related issues between the two neighbouring countries.

According to reports, Himanta Biswa Sarma had claimed during a media interview that under his administration, Indian border forces were “pushing in” suspected Bangladeshi nationals through unguarded sections of the India-Bangladesh border. His remarks triggered diplomatic concern in Dhaka and led Bangladesh to officially seek clarification from the Indian side. The issue quickly became a significant topic in discussions surrounding border management and bilateral relations.

In response, India’s diplomatic communication reportedly emphasized that the country has consistently raised the issue of repatriating suspected illegal immigrants through official channels over the past several years. The document stated that despite repeated requests and reminders, Bangladesh has not extended the necessary cooperation needed for verification and repatriation procedures. Indian authorities stressed that the issue requires stronger coordination between both governments to ensure effective border management and legal immigration processes.

The India-Bangladesh border remains one of the longest international borders in the world and has frequently witnessed disputes related to illegal immigration, border security, smuggling, and cross-border movement. Security agencies from both countries regularly coordinate on border-related matters, but issues concerning undocumented migration have remained politically sensitive for many years, particularly in border states such as Assam and West Bengal.

Officials familiar with the matter said the diplomatic exchange reflects ongoing concerns within India regarding national security, demographic changes, and the challenges of identifying undocumented immigrants. Indian authorities have repeatedly called for better verification systems and faster repatriation mechanisms in cooperation with Bangladesh. At the same time, Dhaka has often maintained that verification of nationality and legal procedures must be carefully followed before accepting individuals for repatriation.

The latest diplomatic developments come at a time when India and Bangladesh continue to maintain broad cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, energy, and regional security. However, border-related concerns and political statements occasionally create tensions between the two countries. Analysts believe both sides are likely to continue diplomatic engagement to prevent the issue from affecting the overall bilateral relationship, which remains strategically important for South Asia.

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