South Asia
India-Bangladesh India's position on Bangladesh issue remains same as before: Indian MEA
New Delhi, Nov 17: India has said that even after the announcement of the election schedule, its position on the Bangladesh issue remains the same as it was during the recently held India-US Two Plus Two Ministerial Dialogue.
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a regular media briefing here on Thursday afternoon, "Our position on the Bangladesh elections has been repeatedly highlighted... and we have said that the people of Bangladesh will decide on this issue."
When asked about the political progress of Bangladesh after the election schedule was announced, he clearly said that 'the people of Bangladesh and their democratic system will find a solution to this issue.'
He said, "I think I have said this many times... The rejection of elections depends on the people of Bangladesh and their democratic system to find a solution."
He said, "After the India-US Two Plus Two dialogue, the Indian Foreign Secretary has clearly explained India's position on the Bangladesh issue... So, I have nothing more to add on this matter. Our position on Bangladesh has been expressed many times."
Responding to another media query about a political party's 'rejection' of an election schedule, he declined to comment further, saying, 'It would not be appropriate for us to comment on it.'
Earlier, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, while briefing the media after the India-US ministerial dialogue on November 12, said, "Bangladesh elections are their internal affairs and the people of Bangladesh will decide their future."
He further said, "India as a close friend and partner of Bangladesh respects the democratic process of Bangladesh and will support the country's dream of becoming a stable, peaceful and progressive nation."
On the Bangladesh issue, he said, "India has presented its "view very clearly" to the US side in the dialogue."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led their respective sides during their dialogue.
