Sheikh Hasina’s Stay in India Is Her Personal Choice: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India is a personal choice shaped by the circumstances that forced her to leave her country.

Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, the External Affairs Minister addressed questions on Hasina's presence in India and the state of India-Bangladesh relations.

Hasina fled to India in August last year after her 15-year rule ended in violent unrest that left hundreds dead and thousands injured. The 78-year-old leader was last month sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka, which accused her of "crimes against humanity" linked to her government's crackdown on student-led protests. The verdict has drawn sharp reactions internationally, with human rights groups questioning the fairness of the trial and the political motivations behind it.

On asking if Hasina could stay in India indefinitely, Jaishankar responded cautiously. "Well, that's a different issue, isn't it? She came here in a certain circumstance, and I think that circumstance clearly sort of is a factor in what happens to her. But again, that is something in which she has to make up her mind," he said, underscoring that the decision ultimately rests with Hasina herself.

India's Emphasis on Democracy in Bangladesh

Talking about the broader bilateral relationship, Jaishankar reiterated India's position that Bangladesh must ensure a credible democratic process. He noted that political actors in Dhaka, particularly those now in power, had previously raised concerns about the conduct of elections. "If the issue was the election, the first order of business would be to do a fair election," he remarked, highlighting India's preference for democratic stability in its neighborhood.

Jaishankar stressed that India wishes Bangladesh well and hopes to see the will of its people reflected through transparent democratic mechanisms. "As far as we are concerned, we wish Bangladesh well. We think as a democratic country, any democratic country likes to see the will of the people ascertain through a democratic process," he said. He added that he was confident Bangladesh's democratic outcomes would lead to a "balanced and mature view" of its relationship with India.

Future of Bilateral Ties

India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, but recent political upheaval in Dhaka has cast uncertainty over the trajectory of the relationship. Analysts note that India's cautious approach reflects both its strategic interest in regional stability and its reluctance to be drawn into Bangladesh's internal political disputes.

Jaishankar's comments suggest New Delhi will continue to emphasize democratic values while leaving Hasina's personal choices to her own discretion. As Bangladesh navigates its political crisis, India appears intent on maintaining a pragmatic balance-supporting democratic processes while keeping channels open for future cooperation.