INS Sunayna Wraps Bangladesh Visit as India Presses Nationality Verification

The Indian Naval ship INS Sunayna concluded a three-day port call in Chattogram, Bangladesh, on May 10, capping a visit that began on May 8 under the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR initiative. The crew conducted professional exchanges with the Bangladesh Navy, visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy, and carried out a Passage Exercise with the BNS Protoy to strengthen maritime interoperability between the two navies.

Beyond the naval engagement, Ministry of External Affairs of India Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal characterized the bilateral relationship as moving in a positive direction. He highlighted the continued flow of diesel through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which has helped address energy shortages in Bangladesh.

However, Jaiswal also flagged an unresolved diplomatic issue: India is still awaiting a formal response from Bangladesh regarding the nationality verification of over 2,860 individuals believed to be Bangladeshi nationals currently residing in India. The matter remains pending despite the broader cooperation on display during the naval visit, illustrating the dual track of engagement and friction defining the relationship.