India has reiterated its commitment to support Bangladesh’s efforts to repatriate the Rohingya refugees who have taken shelter in the country fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The assurance came during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in New Delhi.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of common interest.
A Bangladesh High Commission statement said, during the meeting, Mr Ali briefed Mrs Swaraj about the deal signed by Myanmar and Bangladesh earlier this week, on the return of hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingyas.
The statement said, Mrs Swaraj also discussed her counterpart about Indian engagement in northern Rakhine state, including construction of pre-fabricated houses for the returnees.
Both the ministers discussed the modalities and physical arrangements for early repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Mr Ali is in New Delhi for the ongoing third edition of Raisina Dialogue.
