Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India has not taken a stance supporting former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of the interim government. The issue, while significant, is seen as a minor bump in the broader India-Bangladesh relationship.

Speaking at the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, Misri reiterated India’s long-standing policy of strengthening ties with the Bangladeshi people rather than aligning with any specific political party or government.

Misri emphasized that Sheikh Hasina has been utilizing private communication channels to express her opinions. India, he asserted, has neither provided her with a platform nor facilitated her political activities from Indian soil. He underscored India’s adherence to its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

The briefing followed a recent video message from Hasina, where she criticized the interim government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Misri reaffirmed to the committee that during his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, he conveyed India’s stance that its relationship with Bangladesh transcends specific governments or political affiliations. The focus remains on fostering robust ties with the people of Bangladesh.

Misri arrived in Dhaka on Monday for several meetings, including the Foreign Office Consultation and discussions on mutual interests. He met with Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin and Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain, expressing optimism about the future of India-Bangladesh relations.

During these engagements, Misri described the relationship as “positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial.” He stressed that there is no reason why this mutually advantageous partnership should not continue for the welfare of the people in both nations.

Misri further highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. The Indian Foreign Secretary also pointed out that the people remain the cornerstone of India-Bangladesh relations. India’s developmental collaborations and its multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh—ranging from trade, connectivity, and energy to capacity building—are all directed towards the well-being of the Bangladeshi population.

In his interactions, Misri reiterated that the overarching aim of India’s foreign policy toward Bangladesh is the sustained enhancement of bilateral ties that prioritize the interests of both nations’ citizens.