Speculation has been rife that a secret pact is being negotiated between New Delhi and Naypyidaw to deport Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims as illegal migrants from India, fuelled by a remark of Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Neither New Delhi nor Naypyidaw has, however, issued any official statement as yet in this regard. “Rather, there are indications that New Delhi has been trying to reach a consensus with Naypyidaw on the repatriation,” Joyeeta also said. If Myanmar can win support from India to develop its infrastructures and embolden the military, then Naypyidaw may agree with New Delhi on the repatriation, diplomats think. Despite all these challenges, Home Minister Rajnath’s remarks in the event convey a signal that a secret pact between New Delhi and Naypyidaw is in the making.

Source: Dhaka Tribune September 22, 2017 17:26 UTC