NEW DELHI (Oct 6) — Reaffirming India’s stance on Bangladesh’s political transition, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in the neighbouring country and will engage with any government that emerges from the people’s mandate.
“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” Misri said during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The discussion, which lasted nearly an hour, covered a wide range of issues including bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing disputes, and the situation of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, and DCAB leaders AKM Moinuddin and Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.
Misri noted that while India and Bangladesh share strong historical and cultural ties, “some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship.”
Referring to the upcoming Bangladesh general elections, Misri said that the process is being closely watched across the region and internationally. “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,” he said.
He added that India is encouraged by the commitment of Bangladeshi authorities to hold elections within the indicated timeline and expressed hope for their successful and peaceful 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,” Misri reiterated.
A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the Indian government to strengthen media and diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.