India to Work with Any Democratically Elected Govt of Bangladesh: Misri

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Publish : 06 Oct 2025, 03:50 PM

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. File Photo

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday that they will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh.

He also added that his country firmly supports free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, according to local media.

“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.

A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

The Foreign Secretary added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.

“It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Misri said.

He further said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.

“We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, he replied, "I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally."

He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception. “These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said.

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The Indian Foreign Secretary also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.

“That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said.

Misri added that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements.

When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the Foreign Secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.

“I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said.

“We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all."

The Foreign Secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious and historical ties. He also said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic.

The Foreign Secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

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