"Sheikh Hasina's stay in India is her personal choice", Jaishankar gave a clear message to the Bangladesh government
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made a significant statement regarding former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India and the current situation in the neighboring country. Speaking from the platform of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025 on Saturday, the Foreign Minister clarified that Sheikh Hasina's stay in India is entirely her "personal decision," although this decision is also linked to the difficult circumstances that forced her to leave her country. Jaishankar reiterated in clear terms that India has assured Sheikh Hasina that she can remain safely in India for as long as she wishes. It is noteworthy that 78-year-old Sheikh Hasina came to India last August after widespread violence and a coup. Last month, a special court in Dhaka sentenced her to death, following which there were calls for her extradition.
During the discussion, the External Affairs Minister held a mirror to the current interim government of Bangladesh and delivered a strong message on the democratic process. He sarcastically remarked that those now in power in Bangladesh had complaints about the previous government's election conduct. Jaishankar bluntly stated that if the problem was elections, the current government's first priority should be conducting fair and credible elections. He stressed that as a democratic neighbor, India wants the will of the people of Bangladesh to be respected and a transparent democratic process restored there as soon as possible.
Speaking about the future of India-Bangladesh relations, Jaishankar expressed hope that whatever outcome the democratic process yields will not negatively impact relations between the two countries. He expressed confidence that a balanced and mature approach will be adopted in the future. This statement by the Foreign Minister is being seen as a response to the demand by the interim government of Bangladesh for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. India has indicated that it will wait for the formation of a stable and India-friendly government in Bangladesh rather than deport Hasina, who has sought refuge on humanitarian grounds, and that the former Prime Minister's safety will remain India's priority for the time being.