India says its position on Hasina's extradition remains unchanged

India has reiterated that its position on the extradition of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unchanged, describing the matter as a purely legal issue that will be handled in accordance with the law.

The remarks were made on Tuesday by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, during the ministry's weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

"Our position on this specific issue has not changed. Any extradition request is a legal matter and will be dealt with in accordance with the applicable legal process," Jaiswal said.

His comments came in response to a question referencing a recent interview Sheikh Hasina gave to Reuters, in which she said she and other leaders of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned in Bangladesh, plan to return to the country by December. An Indian journalist asked whether India would send her back to Bangladesh, prompting Jaiswal to reiterate the government's existing position.

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following a mass uprising led by students and the public. Several senior Awami League leaders are also reported to be staying there.

The Bangladeshi government has repeatedly requested Hasina's extradition through diplomatic channels so that she can face trial in cases involving allegations of crimes against humanity and murder.

During the same briefing, Jaiswal was also asked about media reports suggesting that India-funded development projects in Bangladesh could be suspended or delayed because of slow implementation.

He dismissed those concerns, saying, "Our development partnership with Bangladesh has been established through mutual consultations and will continue in the same spirit."

Most of the India-funded development projects currently under implementation were approved and initiated during Sheikh Hasina's administration, which remained in power until August 2024.