India on Thursday responded to Bangladesh's concerns over alleged 'pushback' incidents, stating that such remarks must be understood in the context of repatriating illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Dhaka needs to speed up pending nationality verification cases to facilitate smooth repatriation.
Pending Verification Cases
Jaiswal revealed that over 2,860 nationality verification cases are still pending with Bangladesh, some for more than five years. He stressed that timely verification is essential for the orderly return of individuals found to be illegally residing in India. 'We expect cooperation from Bangladesh in this matter,' he added.
Context of BJP's Victory
The remarks came after Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed expressed concerns about possible 'pushback' incidents following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory in the West Bengal elections. The Bangladeshi officials had voiced apprehension over the treatment of their citizens.
India maintained that cooperation between the two countries is crucial to address the issue of illegal immigration and ensure proper border management. The MEA spokesperson reiterated that India remains committed to resolving such matters through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Diplomatic Engagement
India urged Bangladesh to view the situation objectively and work together to resolve pending cases. 'We believe that with timely action from both sides, the issue can be effectively managed,' Jaiswal said. The development underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Dhaka on border-related issues.
