India on Monday (October 6) reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, urging that the polls be held at the earliest opportunity.
Speaking at a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underlined New Delhi’s pragmatic approach towards Dhaka, emphasising the goal of fostering strong bilateral ties rooted in mutual respect, stability, and people-focused development. He stressed that India’s support extends to the democratic process itself, regardless of which government comes to power.
“I want to be very, very clear on this matter. India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh, and we believe these elections should be held as soon as possible,” Misri stated, as quoted by ANI.
He welcomed the fact that Bangladeshi authorities have indicated a timeframe for the elections and expressed hope for the process to move forward without delay. Misri reaffirmed India’s position, saying, “We are ready to engage constructively with whichever government is elected through a democratic process and chosen by the people of Bangladesh.”
Highlighting India’s balanced stance, he described New Delhi’s current diplomatic strategy as pragmatic and adaptive to regional and global changes. “We are no strangers to the momentous developments taking place in the region and in the world, including in Bangladesh,” he noted.
Calling for a conducive atmosphere for the elections, Misri said both sides must avoid actions or statements that could vitiate the environment. “It is important to create a facilitating environment that ensures relations can develop positively going forward,” he added.
Touching upon India’s engagement with the interim administration in Dhaka, Misri pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to welcome Professor Muhammad Yunus upon his appointment as Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government. “He invited Professor Yunus to the Voice of Global South Summit, and we were very glad that he participated,” Misri said.
Acknowledging that Bangladesh’s political developments are being closely followed worldwide, Misri noted that the country’s internal situation and the timeline for elections tentatively expected in February remain under international scrutiny.