Mani Shankar Aiyar Calls for Sheikh Hasina's Extended Stay in India Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Talks

Mani Shankar Aiyar, a former diplomat and Congress leader, recently expressed his views on the situation involving Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He stated that Hasina should be allowed to remain in India for as long as she desires. Aiyar shared these thoughts during the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival.

Hasina, aged 77, has been residing in India since August 5 after fleeing Bangladesh due to a large student-led protest that ended her 16-year rule. Aiyar acknowledged the demands from Bangladesh for her extradition but emphasized her positive contributions to India. "I hope we will never disagree that Sheikh Hasina has done a lot of good for us. I am glad she was given refuge. I think we should be her host as long as she wants, even if it is for all her life," he stated.

India-Bangladesh Relations

Aiyar highlighted the importance of maintaining diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh. He praised Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's recent visit to Dhaka, where he engaged in talks with Bangladeshi authorities. Aiyar stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and ministerial connections with Bangladesh's interim government.

Addressing concerns about attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Aiyar remarked that while such reports are true, they are often exaggerated. He explained that many conflicts stem from political disagreements rather than religious persecution. "They reports about attacks on Hindus are true but exaggerated, because many of the conflicts are more about settlement of political differences," he noted.

India-Pakistan Dynamics

During a question session, Aiyar discussed the similarities between Indians and Pakistanis, attributing their separation to the partition. He humorously compared cultural differences within India itself, saying, "There exists much more difference in me as a Tamil and my wife as a Punjabi, than between her and a Pakistani Punjabi."

Aiyar criticized the current Indian government's approach towards Pakistan, suggesting they lack the courage to engage in dialogue despite conducting military operations like surgical strikes. He commented on Pakistan's dual role as both a perpetrator and victim of terrorism. "Pakistan is a country which spreads terror but it is also a victim of terror," he said.

Reflections on Leadership

Aiyar praised former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his efforts in maintaining back-channel communications with Pakistan regarding Kashmir. He highlighted Singh's ability to engage with military governments effectively. "It is suicidal for us to continue wearing Pakistan around our neck like the albatross. We should just talk to them as Manmohan Singh showed on the issue of Kashmir," Aiyar asserted.

Earlier at the festival, Aiyar participated in a discussion about his recent book. He touched upon various topics including his relationship with the Gandhi family, his experiences with the Congress party, his time at Cambridge, and his views on India's current political climate.

The discussions at the festival provided insights into Aiyar's perspectives on regional politics and his reflections on past leadership strategies. His comments underscored the complexities of international relations and domestic challenges faced by neighbouring countries.