Illegal migration is subject of India-Bangladesh conversation: MEA

New Delhi: The issue of illegal migration is a subject of conversation between India and Bangladesh and New Delhi has requested Bangladesh to verify the nationality of the list handed to them of persons who are deemed to be illegal.

This was stated by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal here on Tuesday. He mentioned that security along the border is a priority for India.

The statement assumes significance in the backdrop of the West Bengal government’s decision to transfer land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for erecting a fence along the Bangladesh border.


The decision was taken at the first cabinet meeting held on Monday in Kolkata after the formation of the new government in West Bengal following the elections. The Chief Minister said that within 45 days, land would be handed over to the Border Security Force for fencing along the state’s borders.

Last week, Jaiswal had said that India desired cooperation from Bangladesh to complete nationality verification of illegal immigrants.

He had said that India’s policy is to repatriate all illegal foreign nationals in accordance with the established laws, procedures, and bilateral mechanisms.

“We expect Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification so that the repatriation of illegal immigrants can take place smoothly,” Jaiswal had said.

He was responding to remarks reportedly made by Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who had said that Bangladesh would take “appropriate action” if pushbacks increased following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal elections.

Earlier, Bangladesh had summoned acting Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pawan Badhe to formally protest remarks allegedly made by Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the deportation of alleged illegal immigrants from Assam.

Meanwhile, new Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam is in India this week to hold consultations with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar amid economic crisis in Male. This marks her first official visit abroad following her appointment as the Foreign Minister.