Overview

• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India is firmly in favor of free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.
• Misri noted that Bangladeshi authorities have indicated a February 2026 timeframe for parliamentary polls and said New Delhi looks forward to the vote proceeding without delay.
• India stated it will engage with whichever government emerges through the mandate of Bangladeshi voters, emphasizing no preference for any particular side.
• On former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Misri described her presence in India and Dhaka’s extradition request as a judicial and legal matter requiring consultations between the two governments.
• He urged both sides to avoid statements or actions that could vitiate the atmosphere, flagged that recent trade disruptions stem from decisions within Bangladesh, and cited India’s outreach to interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus.