Former Indian diplomats have reacted to Bangladesh summoning the Indian envoy over remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Veena Sikri said the step was unnecessary, stating that illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India is a real and ongoing issue that both sides must acknowledge and address. She added that there should be proper bilateral dialogue, recalling that the matter was once recognised during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure as Prime Minister. She also noted that stricter measures in India have led some migrants to return. Former diplomat KP Fabian said the summons was understandable but stressed that foreign policy-related remarks should come through the Ministry of External Affairs, suggesting official channels should guide such statements in future.