India Claims Bangladesh Overlooked Repatriation Requests

India has announced that Bangladesh has not provided an “actionable response” to numerous diplomatic notes concerning the repatriation of individuals suspected to be illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in India. According to an official document from Indian authorities, over 1,000 diplomatic notes and 456 reminders have been sent to Dhaka since September 2020 without adequate cooperation to resolve the matter.

This issue was further detailed in a diplomatic note—referred to as a note verbale—issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to Bangladesh on April 30, 2026. This communication followed a summoning of the Indian envoy in Dhaka, triggered by comments from Assam’s former Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding border issues.

In a media interview, Sarma alleged that Indian border forces were “pushing in” suspected Bangladeshi nationals across unguarded stretches of the border, raising diplomatic alarms in Dhaka. This prompted Bangladesh to request clarification from India, spotlighting the complexities of border management and bilateral relations.

India’s diplomatic response reportedly stressed that it has persistently addressed the need for the repatriation of suspected illegal immigrants through formal channels over the years. It highlighted that despite numerous requests, Bangladesh hasn't provided the needed cooperation for the verification and repatriation processes. Indian officials noted that effective border management and legal migration demands stronger coordination between both nations.

The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest in the world, has frequently been a flashpoint for disputes related to illegal immigration, border security, and smuggling. While the security agencies of both nations routinely work together on border issues, undocumented migration remains a politically charged topic, particularly in border states like Assam and West Bengal.

Sources familiar with the ongoing dialogue indicated that this diplomatic exchange highlights India’s growing concerns regarding national security and the difficulties in identifying undocumented immigrants. Indian authorities have emphasized the need for improved verification and swift repatriation cooperation with Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Dhaka usually insists that proper nationality verification and legal procedures be meticulously adhered to prior to accepting repatriations.

These recent diplomatic events occur against a backdrop of broader cooperation between India and Bangladesh in trading, connectivity, energy, and regional security arenas. Nevertheless, border issues and provocative remarks sometimes escalate tensions. Analysts suggest both nations will likely continue diplomatic efforts to ensure that such issues do not disrupt their strategically significant bilateral relationship in the South Asian region.