Extradition or Support for Sheikh Hasina: India Faces a Tough Test in the Subcontinent
According to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, Egypt’s Daily News reported on political developments in Bangladesh: India faces a diplomatic challenge as Bangladesh has once again demanded the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the country’s former prime minister, from New Delhi.Hasina, who sought refuge in India in August 2024, was this week sentenced to death in absentia by Dhaka’s war crimes tribunal over her handling of last year’s student protests.
India, long a close ally of Hasina, has yet to give a definitive response to Bangladesh’s request. New Delhi stated only that it remains “committed to the interests of the Bangladeshi people and engagement with all parties,” without clarifying whether it intends to return the former leader-a move analysts believe could further sour ties between the two neighbors.
Following the verdict, Bangladesh intensified pressure on India for Hasina’s extradition, calling it a “mandatory obligation” for New Delhi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs continues to adopt a cautious stance and reiterated its commitment to stability in Bangladesh without directly addressing the extradition demand. Subrata Bhattacharjee, an expert on South Asian affairs, suggests that India’s diplomatic language indicates an unlikely prospect for handing over its longtime ally.
India’s support for Hasina now presents a complex test for New Delhi and raises questions about how far India is willing to protect its former ally. Some analysts expect India will delay taking a final position until after Bangladesh’s elected government takes office so as to allow more stable political conditions.
Experts say India faces no easy options. One possible route might be asking Hasina to refrain from commenting on Bangladeshi affairs-unlikely considering her leadership role within the Awami League.Another possibility is relocating her to a third country; however, few governments are willing to host someone convicted of crimes against humanity.
The caretaker government in Bangladesh plans elections during early February.The Awami League party-dominated by Hasina’s leadership for decades-has been sidelined following May 2025 when its activities were suspended and it was removed from official party lists by the election commission.
