India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not answer questions about media reports that New Delhi wants Bangladesh to send a military aircraft to take back ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The matter was raised by a journalist during the question-and-answer session at the ministry's weekly briefing in New Delhi on Friday (November 13). The journalist asked whether there was any confirmation or communication regarding reports that New Delhi wants Bangladesh to send a military plane to take Sheikh Hasina back from New Delhi, allow her to appeal against her death sentence, and hold a fresh trial for the 2024 crackdown.
What Jaiswal Said
The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson did not give a direct answer to the question. He said, "You have mentioned several possible scenarios. Look, that..."
His response ended there, without further elaboration. In effect, India neither confirmed nor denied the reports about sending a military plane to bring back Sheikh Hasina.
Context
Discussions are ongoing in Bangladesh regarding the death sentence against Sheikh Hasina over the 2024 crackdown and the possibility of a fresh trial. Meanwhile, Indian media have reported that Delhi wants Dhaka to send a military aircraft to take back Sheikh Hasina. However, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson's reaction neither confirmed nor denied those reports.
Diplomatic communication between Bangladesh's interim government and India continues, but neither side has made an official position clear on this issue. Observers suggest India's silence may be significant, though an immediate decision appears unlikely.
