Bangladesh’s ex-PM Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid intense student–public protests at home, is staying in New Delhi based on her “personal decision”, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said.

Speaking at an event hosted by NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief on Saturday, Jaishankar addressed questions regarding Hasina’s presence in India and the circumstances surrounding her arrival. 

“Her stay in India is entirely her personal decision,” he said, adding that the “specific situation” that brought her to New Delhi continues to shape her choices.

In response to a question about whether Hasina may remain in India “as long as she wants”, Jaishankar refrained from giving a direct answer.  “That is a separate matter. She came here under certain circumstances. I believe those circumstances will play a major role in determining her future. Ultimately, it is for her to decide.” 

According to the NDTV report, Jaishankar also underscored India’s consistent position on the need for a credible democratic process in Bangladesh. 

He stressed that New Delhi remains committed to seeing the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people reflected through democratic means. 

Expressing optimism about the future of India–Bangladesh relations, the external affairs minister said India has always wished for Bangladesh’s stability and prosperity. “As a democratic country, India wants the will of the people to be reflected through democratic processes anywhere in the world,” he said.

He added that whichever government emerges in Bangladesh through democratic means is expected to maintain a “balanced and mature” approach to bilateral relations. “I am hopeful that the situation will improve,” Jaishankar said.