Staying in India is Sheikh Hasina’s personal decision : EAM Dr S Jaishankar

India’s position on Bangladesh’s demand to send Hasina back to Bangladesh

New Delhi – The Bangladesh Government has demanded that the country’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina be sent back to Dhaka from India. In this regard, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar said, ‘She came here in a certain circumstance, and I think that circumstance clearly sort of factor in what happens to her. But again, that is something she has to make up her mind.’ Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death last month on charges of committing crimes against humanity. India has not yet reacted to Bangladesh’s demand.

1. When EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar was asked about Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India at the Hindustan Times Leadership Conference, he said that Sheikh Hasina has come to India under special circumstances and it is up to her to decide whether to stay in India or leave. India is a well-wisher of Bangladesh.

2. The EAM said that India expects stability and preservation of democratic values ​​in Bangladesh. The first order of business would be to do a fair election. Whatever comes out of the democratic process would have a balanced and mature view about the relationship and hopefully things would improve.

In conversation with @rahulkanwal at HT Leadership Summit. #HTLS2025
https://t.co/j6H1235oCl

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 6, 2025

India must maintain strong relations with all major countries : EAM

Answering whether Russian President Putin’s India visit would affect India-US relations, the EAM said, ‘India maintains relations at many levels and the freedom to choose options is important. At present, the trade agreement with the US is important.’ He also dismissed the speculation that Putin’s visit will hinder the trade talks with the US. He also said that an emerging country like India needs to maintain strong relations with all major countries.