Ok, so google asked me to remove SEND_SMS and RECIEVE_SMS permission from my app before January 9th, 2019 or I should remove my app from play instead. F***ing Great.

Are you sending SMS’s? If no, WHY ask for those permissions?

If yes.. WHY are you sending messages?

RECIEVE_SMS for verifying Otp. And SEND_SMS for our short messages service which come handy incase there is no internet.

@irene they didn't. Just a plain simple email asking to remove those permissions and some api which i should use instead for RECEIVE_SMS. I am currently reading DOCS for those API.

Usually they've been doing that when other alternative APIs which can function similarly are available but pose less security risks.
I know they have been now letting you send responses to justify why you need it and what you're using it for. If it's for a creative reason and/or necessary then they will accept it, but it's always case-by-case.
Good luck!

Can you tell which api?

@happypotter sms retriever api which need google play services. Not all devices use google play services, i think.

@twistedvip for OTP, yes they have sms retriever api. For sending sms, no. They are asking to send it through intent. Mean user must select send.