Amid rising tensions over former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified on Monday that the issue is a matter of “judicial and legal process” requiring “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.
Speaking to a group of Bangladesh-based journalists visiting India, Misri responded to growing allegations from the current Bangladeshi regime that Hasina’s presence in India is “illegal.” He dismissed these claims and reaffirmed that India does not take sides in Bangladesh’s internal political affairs. “All I will say is that this is a judicial and legal process,” Misri stated, referring to Hasina’s presence in India since she fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, during massive student-led protests.
“It requires engagement and consultations between the two Governments. We are examining this issue and look forward to working together with the Bangladesh authorities.”
Reacting to questions on whether India is harbouring Sheikh Hasina or attempting to reinstate her Bangladesh Awami League government, Misri firmly denied any such intentions. “We should set aside the perception that we have a favourite or are trying to engage with one set of people and ignore another,” he said.
FS Misri reiterated India’s position that it supports “the earliest possible expression of the mandate of the people” through democratic elections
in Bangladesh. “India wants a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh,” he said. “We will deal with the government that emerges from such a process.” Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, recently told reporters in Dhaka that India has not yet responded positively to their formal request for Hasina’s extradition to face trial. “There is no new information on this,” Hossain said. “The trial has already begun, and whether someone comes or not, it does not stop.”
He confirmed that Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note, along with supporting documents, to New Delhi in December 2024 requesting Hasina’s return.
While the Government has not yet sought international assistance, Hossain said the option remains open. India has dismissed recent statements by Bangladesh's Home Adviser as “false and baseless.” According to New Delhi, such remarks are unhelpful and may further complicate diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours. Foreign Secretary Misri also emphasised that India is ready to work with whichever Government emerges from a democratic process in Bangladesh. “We are prepared to deal with the Government. I don’t think there is anything else to say on that,” he noted. During the hour-long interaction, Misri also addressed broader issues in India-Bangladesh relations, including border management, water sharing, and bilateral trade.
He acknowledged that while there are “some issues,” such challenges are natural in any bilateral relationship. The 23-member delegation of the
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) is currently in India on an official visit at the invitation of the Indian Government.
As both nations navigate a complex chapter in their diplomatic history, the Indian Government has made it clear that its focus remains on democratic principles and constructive engagement — not political partisanship. Whether this approach can ease tensions and resolve the contentious issue of Sheikh Hasina's extradition remains to be seen.
