Guwahati, May 2: Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri has described Bangladesh’s decision to summon acting Indian High Commissioner Pawan Badhe as “completely unnecessary”, asserting that the issue of illegal immigration into Assam warrants structured bilateral engagement rather than diplomatic friction.
Speaking to the media, Sikri emphasised that migration between India and Bangladesh is a long-standing concern that has been acknowledged at the highest levels in the past. She recalled that during the 1992 visit of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to India, both nations had recognised the issue in a joint statement and agreed to address it through dialogue.
Sikri noted that India has in recent years stepped up efforts to tackle illegal immigration, including enhanced verification processes, detention mechanisms and deportation procedures. She added that several individuals identified as Bangladeshi nationals have reportedly returned voluntarily following document verification.
Criticising Dhaka’s response, she termed the summoning of the Indian envoy “not a friendly act”, suggesting that such steps may not contribute to resolving sensitive bilateral matters.
The diplomatic development follows remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who recently stated that 20 alleged Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Assam and “pushed back” across the border. In response, Bangladesh lodged a formal protest, cautioning that such public statements could adversely affect bilateral relations and describing them as “counterproductive”.
Dhaka also called for restraint in addressing issues linked to the relationship between the two countries. The episode comes amid renewed political attention in Assam over illegal immigration, a subject that continues to hold significant socio-political sensitivity in the region.
