India on Thursday urged Bangladesh to expedite the verification of suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals staying in India, saying delays from Dhaka were hindering their repatriation through established bilateral mechanisms.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed that more than 2,860 cases seeking nationality verification from Bangladesh were pending, many of them for over five years.Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said recent comments emanating from Bangladesh should be viewed in this context of the unresolved issue of illegal immigration and repatriation.“We have seen comments of this nature being made in the last several days. These comments must be seen in the context of the core issue of repatriation of illegal Bangladeshis from India. This obviously requires cooperation from Bangladesh. Over 2860 cases of nationality verification are pending with Bangladesh, several of them for over five years,” he saidThe remarks came in response to questions regarding statements made by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman amid the controversy surrounding BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks who had suggested that instead of formal processes involving the Ministry of External Affairs, individuals were often “pushed back” across the border under the cover of darkness at locations where Bangladeshi border forces are not present.Reiterating India’s position, Jaiswal said any foreign national found to be staying illegally in the country must be repatriated in accordance with law and existing bilateral arrangements.“Our policy, as you very well understand, is that any foreign national who is illegal in the country, he or she must be repatriated as per laws, procedures and established bilateral mechanisms and arrangements. We expect that Bangladesh will expedite nationality verification so that repatriation of illegal immigrants can take place in a smooth manner,” he said.When asked about remarks by Himanta Biswa Sarma suggesting that alleged illegal migrants were sometimes “pushed back” across the border instead of being formally deported through diplomatic channels, the MEA spokesperson avoided directly commenting on Sarma’s statements.Instead, Jaiswal stressed that the focus should remain on the “core issue” of pending nationality confirmations from the Bangladeshi side. “It is important that we understand the background of these comments. There is a core issue which needs to be looked into,” he said.“We have shared data of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants with the Bangladeshi side for confirmation of their nationality so that people can be repatriated in a smooth manner. We expect Bangladesh will take due action in this regard so that we can proceed with repatriation of illegal foreign nationals who are here, as per established mechanisms,” the MEA spokesperson added.The latest controversy comes at a delicate phase in ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with both countries attempting to stabilise relations amid political changes in Bangladesh and continuing concerns over border management and illegal migration.