India is carrying on a high level dialogue with Myanmar and Bangladesh so that Rohingya refugees can return to Myanmar, said India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. Talking about India’s policy in the Bay of Bengal, he said that the exodus of people was a matter of serious concern. India wishes that the refugees should be rehabilitated in the countries they come from. It is of course a far from easy job. Practical measures and constructive talks are necessary for a settlement of the issues. Mere heated condemnation of any country is of no use. The stress should be on a sensitive approach. The Rohingya crisis should be a test of India’s regional diplomacy especially because it involves two strategic and important neighbours, Bangladesh and Myanmar. India’s External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj has exchanged views with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in this regard.
Bangladesh has received almost a million refugees from Myanmar. That is adversely affecting that country’s economy and security. India has launched a massive relief assistance programme to help Bangladesh on the Rohingya crisis. There is constant intelligence exchange on Rohingyas who have entered Bangladesh. Myanmar is also getting increased support from India on the rebuilding of the Rakhine state where almost all Rohingyas live. But the government of Myanmar has turned the heat on Rohingya radicals. India has supported the Kofi Annan report recommendations about a change in Myanmar’s citizenship laws. Jaishankar has said that India’s policy on this issue is part of this country’s Act East pursuit.