Reiterating that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh. The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an “inclusive and participatory” election.“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.

During the nearly hour-long discussion, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing issues, and matters concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship. A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India. The foreign secretary said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.

“We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he said.

He added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.

“It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Foreign Secretary Misri said.

Referring to India’s role in the region, the foreign secretary said that India has a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh.

“All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said: “I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally.”

He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception.

“These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said.

He noted that the elections will undoubtedly express a certain mandate.

“When it comes to the conditions shaping that mandate, India will not interfere. That is something for the people of Bangladesh to determine,” he said.

He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.

“That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said.

Misri noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements. When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the foreign secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.

“I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said.

“We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all. The foreign secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical ties.

“These are factors that continue to underpin our relationship. We have always approached it with a people-first mindset,” he said.

“This is a time-tested relationship — more than five decades old — and I am confident it will continue to flourish,” Misri added. He said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic.

“We are no strangers to the momentous developments that have taken place in the region, the world, and in Bangladesh. Our pragmatic approach has guided our engagement with the authorities, including the interim government,” he said.

“The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment,” he noted. The foreign secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has said that the partnership between Bangladesh and the EU is a strategic choice when it comes to human rights and the creation of economic opportunities at its core. Ambassador Miller said the EU is helping Bangladesh prepare for “free and fair” elections and supporting reforms in line with the expectations of citizens and businesses.

“Our common goal with you is to build prosperity and act together to promote sustainable growth, mobilise investments, and combat climate change,” he said while speaking at a discussion at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday. The Association of Former Ambassadors (AOFA) hosted the discussion, titled “EU-Bangladesh Relations: Way Forward,” with AOFA President Abdullah Al Hasan presiding over the session.

Referring to his visits across the country, Miller said he wants to understand the needs of communities outside Dhaka and engage with people benefiting from EU-funded programmes implemented by Bangladeshi organisations.

“For me, it is very important to hear from the grassroots to know what is going on,” he said. The ambassador said Bangladesh is passing through an incredibly significant moment in its political history. He said the EU is exploring how it can support Bangladesh’s transition to democratic elections and respond quickly to emerging challenges or requests for assistance.

Miller emphasised that the political transition offers a unique opportunity to strengthen respect for fundamental rights, restore democracy, and create space for civil society. The ambassador also stressed the importance of creating a level playing field for economic operators. Miller said he sees a strong commonality of ambition when discussing reforms in the EU and the transition underway in Bangladesh.

“You can certainly rely on us to remain committed to peace, partnership, and cooperation,” he said. Ambassador Miller reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to promote stability and prosperity.

“Your stability is absolutely our stability, and your prosperity is also our prosperity,” he said. On trade, the ambassador said the EU is open to fair business and highlighted the need to work towards a smooth graduation from the LDC category.

Regarding investment, he said the EU is a strong partner, with its Global Gateway initiative focusing on boosting secure and sustainable links in transport, energy, water, digital, and telecom sectors—transforming the country.

He said the European Investment Bank (EIB) will double its lending to Bangladesh. “I expect this to happen by the end of this year. This fulfills the promise made by the EIB Vice President during his visit in January.”

In addition, Miller said, the EU is using its budget to guarantee private sector investments from within Europe.

“We are exploring ways to give a real boost to investments. Our trade relations are wonderful, dynamic, and significant,” he added. He also emphasized the EU’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with partners on global challenges, particularly climate change.