New Delhi, May 1 -- Former Indian diplomat Veena Sikri has termed Bangladesh's decision to summon the acting Indian High Commissioner Pawan Badhe over remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as "completely unnecessary", saying the underlying issue of illegal immigration should instead be addressed through structured dialogue between the two countries.

Speaking to ANI, Sikri said the development was avoidable given the long-standing sensitivity and complexity of migration issues between India and Bangladesh.

"Well, I think it was quite unnecessary, completely unnecessary, because the illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India is a real problem. It's a problem that both sides have to recognise and deal with it," Sikri s...