India Aware of Anti-Hasina Wave in Bangladesh but Couldn’t Intervene, Says Jaishankar

India Aware of Anti-Hasina Wave in Bangladesh but Couldn’t Intervene, Says Jaishankar

India was aware of the growing anti-Sheikh Hasina sentiment in Bangladesh ahead of the violent overthrow of the former Prime Minister’s government on August 5, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed on Saturday (March 22, 2025) during a meeting of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs. However, Jaishankar emphasized that India was in no position to interfere in Bangladesh's internal affairs due to a lack of leverage over Sheikh Hasina's government.

Addressing the Members of Parliament, Jaishankar explained that while India had been monitoring the situation closely, it could only offer "advice" to Hasina's administration, not take direct action. He stressed that India's diplomatic approach was constrained by the complexities of international relations, particularly its limited influence over the Bangladeshi government at the time.

Jaishankar’s comments come in the wake of the political turmoil in Bangladesh, which saw the violent removal of Hasina's government, a move that has sparked widespread debate about India's role in regional stability. Although India had been tracking the political developments, it chose not to intervene directly, respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty while remaining vigilant about the unfolding events.

The external affairs minister’s statement underscores the delicate balancing act India faces in maintaining diplomatic ties while dealing with internal political crises in neighboring countries. Despite being aware of the rising discontent among the Bangladeshi populace, India’s diplomatic strategy focused on encouraging dialogue and providing counsel to Hasina, rather than overtly engaging in the political unrest.

This revelation by Jaishankar highlights the complexities of India's foreign policy in South Asia, where it has to navigate sensitive issues with neighboring countries while ensuring that it does not overstep in matters of domestic governance. India’s position on the political crisis in Bangladesh reflects its broader approach to respecting the sovereignty of its neighbors, even as it keeps a close watch on developments that could affect regional security and stability.

As the political situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, India’s response and diplomatic efforts remain under scrutiny, with many watching how the government handles future relations with Bangladesh in the wake of such significant political upheaval.