New Delhi, Dec 06 (V7N) – Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India is entirely her personal decision, said Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He made the remarks during a discussion with NDTV CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal at the HT Leadership Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.

Jaishankar noted that the circumstances under which Sheikh Hasina came to India would influence her future decisions, but emphasized that ultimately it is her choice. He also addressed Bangladesh’s political situation, stating that any complaints about past elections should be resolved through organizing a fair electoral process.

Highlighting India’s commitment to democracy in the region, Jaishankar said, “We wish Bangladesh well. As a democratic country, India always wants the true opinion of the people in its neighboring countries to be reflected through the democratic process.”

The minister also expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh-India relations, saying that whichever government comes to power through a democratic process will maintain a balanced and mature approach to bilateral ties.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in a popular uprising last August, ending her 15-year rule, and has been staying in India since then.

END/SMA/AJ