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DHAKA/NEW DELHI: In a robust diplomatic pushback, India has invoked the enduring legacy of the 1971 Liberation War to reaffirm the “everlasting” nature of its relationship with Bangladesh, just hours after Dhaka summoned the Indian High Commissioner to protest over “incendiary statements” allegedly made by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Indian soil.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday, December 14, 2025, where the interim Bangladeshi government conveyed its “serious concern.” Dhaka accused the exiled Hasina of making provocative remarks aimed at inciting “terrorist activities” to disrupt the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections and demanded her expeditious extradition to face a death sentence handed down by a special tribunal. Bangladesh also sought cooperation in apprehending suspects in the recent attempted assassination of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whom they allege are operating from India.
India’s Rejection and 1971 Connect
Responding to the diplomatic friction, High Commissioner Verma firmly rejected the allegations, stating that the bonds between the two nations are “not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened.”
Speaking at an event marking the 54th anniversary of Victory Day (December 16), the High Commissioner stressed India’s historical role:
“India stood with the people of Bangladesh during its 1971 Liberation War and would continue to support them in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation.”
He emphasized that India proudly stood with its “brothers and sisters in Bangladesh” during the war, even losing thousands of its own soldiers.
Separately, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement, “categorically” rejecting the assertions made by the interim government in its press note. The MEA reiterated its long-standing stance:
India has consistently supported the holding of “free, fair, inclusive and credible elections” in Bangladesh.
“India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh,” the statement asserted.
New Delhi placed the responsibility for maintaining stability on Dhaka, stating it expects the interim government to “take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order” for peaceful elections.
The Extradition Demand
The summoning marks at least the fifth time the Indian envoy has been called in by the interim government since its formation. Bangladesh’s demands include the extradition of both Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August last year, and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
India had previously stated it was “examining” the extradition request made in November but has not yet committed to a decision, underscoring the delicate diplomatic tightrope New Delhi is walking ahead of the critical February 12, 2026 elections in Bangladesh.
You can watch an overview of the legal and political dimensions of the ongoing tensions in this video: Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy As Sheikh Hasina Trial Nears Verdict | Firstpost Live. This video discusses a prior instance of the Indian envoy being summoned and the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s trial, which is relevant to the current extradition demands.
