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S Jaishankar on Sheikh Hasina: On the stay of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has given a big statement. She said that the circumstances in which she came here. That will decide his further decisions. He said that Sheikh Hasina herself will have to decide what to do next. His stay in India after the death sentence given by the Dhaka court has become a big political issue.
New Delhi: Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is in exile in India. Bangladesh has been continuously raising the issue of handing them over. In August 2024, she resigned during major student-led protests in Bangladesh and fled to India by helicopter. After this India gave him asylum and later extended his visa. Since then this issue is creating tension in the relations between the two countries. Now on the questions arising in this matter, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has given a big statement. Jaishankar said that when Sheikh Hasina came to India, she came in a situation. Now the decision as to what will happen next also depends on the circumstances and their own wishes.
In a program of NDTV, he clearly said that he will have to make up his mind. This statement has given a new dimension to many ongoing speculations about his future in India.
Why did Jaishankar say circumstances will decide his stay?
In the program he was asked whether India would allow Sheikh Hasina to stay as long as she wants. Jaishankar answered the question in a broader context. In her reply she said that she came here under certain circumstances. The same situation will influence their decisions in future. But this decision has to be taken by them only.
Sheikh Hasina came to India during the political storm of last year. (File photo PTI)
In fact, Jaishankar indicated that India would not make any political comment on his security or presence. But it was also made clear that the decision is completely individual and circumstantial. This statement is a symbol of India’s mature and sensitive diplomacy, where direct interference in the politics of the neighboring country is avoided.
Sheikh Hasina controversy: Complete situation at a glance
| point | Details |
| Who? | Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, ruled for 15 years. |
| When did you come to India? | In August 2024, during a time of violence and political crisis in the country. |
| Why did you come? | Due to violent protests across the country, threat to life, change of power and political turmoil. |
| situation in bangladesh | Special court awarded death sentence in absentia in ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ case. |
| India’s stance | Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar says, ‘The situation in which she came, the future decision is hers only’ |
| Can I stay in India indefinitely? | Jaishankar said, ‘He will have to make up his mind’. (No straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’) |
| Impact on India-Bangladesh relations | India wants a credible, fair and democratic process in Dhaka. |
| Jaishankar’s main message | India supports stable democracy in neighboring countries and best wishes for Bangladesh. |
| In whose hands will the next step be taken? | Sheikh Hasina will decide whether she will stay in India or return to Bangladesh. |
What will be the impact on India-Bangladesh relations?
Jaishankar made it clear during the conversation that India has long been a supporter of the democratic, transparent and credible electoral process in Bangladesh. He said that the same groups which had earlier raised questions on the elections are now in power, so first of all they should conduct fair elections. India has always been of the opinion that stable democracy in neighboring countries is the foundation of regional peace.
He also said,
We have good thoughts for Bangladesh. Whatever emerges from the democratic process, we are confident that it will take India-Bangladesh relations forward with a balanced and mature approach.
This statement shows that India wants to maintain relations in a positive direction even amidst changing politics.
India supports stable democracy in neighboring countries-Jaishankar. (File photo PTI)
Why is Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India in discussion?
Sheikh Hasina came to India during the political storm of last year. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands were injured in the violent protests across the country. After the change of power, many legal processes against him intensified and recently he was sentenced to death on charges of Crimes Against Humanity. His stay in India has become a politically sensitive topic. Because India-Bangladesh relations have always been important in the politics of South Asia.
