The Ministry of External Affairs of India (MEA) has said it is examining a formal request to extradite former Bangladesh's former prime premier Sheikh Hasina through established legal and judicial procedures.
According to ANI, the statement was made by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday, as India works to steady its relations with the newly formed government following the major political changes of the July Uprising.
First acknowledged by India in 2025, the extradition request is now undergoing a detailed review within the country's legal system, with Jaiswal stressing that the process is governed by internal legal rules.
Despite sensitivities around Hasina's stay in India since her ouster in August 2024, New Delhi is maintaining a "business-as-usual" stance in its dealings with the new administration, ANI reports.
"I would also like to emphasise that the external affairs minister reiterated India's intention to engage constructively with the new government and to further strengthen bilateral ties," Jaiswal was quoted as saying by ANI.
Both sides are set to use formal mechanisms to consider new cooperation proposals in areas such as trade, energy, and regional security.
"The two sides agree to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms," Jaiswal said, according to ANI, indicating a structured approach to future engagement.
Official-level discussions are being arranged to align the positions of both countries on regional and global matters, ensuring continued cooperation despite the extradition impasse.
ANI reported Jaswal as saying, "Official meetings are expected to take place at an early date for both sides' views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."
The current diplomatic situation has been shaped by the events of July 2024, when a student-led movement brought an end to the long-standing Awami League rule.
While the new leadership in Dhaka faces internal pressure to bring Hasina back for trial, India's priority remains the "best interests of the people of Bangladesh", focusing on stability and democracy in the neighbouring country, ANI reported.
Amid the ongoing legal review, the ministry has stressed that India will adhere to "due process" while ensuring that its broader relationship with Bangladesh is not affected by one individual. �"bdnews24
