'Our approach is pragmatic, our intent clear': India backs Bangladesh’s democratic process, says Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says India will work with whichever government emerges from Bangladesh’s February polls, stressing realism, stability, and people-centric ties.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday laid out India’s clearest stance yet on the political churn in Bangladesh, New Delhi wants free, fair, and inclusive elections, held without delay, and will engage with whichever government the Bangladeshi people choose.

“I want to be very clear,” Misri said, cutting through speculation about India’s position. “India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh, at the earliest possible time.”

This statement comes amid a sensitive political transition in Dhaka, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus heading an interim government after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year, and fresh elections now expected in February.

#WATCH | Delhi | On Delhi-Bangladesh relations, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh and it is in favour of these elections to be held in time..."

"...The approach India has taken is… pic.twitter.com/Qv49faJMoy

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Pragmatic diplomacy: Balancing continuity and change

Misri’s remarks reflected India’s attempt to walk a careful line, maintaining engagement with the interim government while safeguarding its long-term relationship with Bangladesh, one of India’s closest regional partners.

“Our approach has been pragmatic,” he said. “We have remained engaged with the authorities in Bangladesh, including the interim government. But for this to be sustained, both sides must work to avoid statements or actions that vitiate the atmosphere.”

He added that India’s ties with Dhaka are guided by “realism and adaptability,” signalling continuity in engagement despite major political shifts next door.

High-level outreach and development focus

Misri reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to welcome Muhammad Yunus as Chief Advisor of the interim government. Yunus was also invited to the Voice of Global South Summit, reinforcing India’s diplomatic outreach.

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted his own visit to Bangladesh, describing it as “useful” in clarifying several bilateral issues. Working-level meetings, he said, continue “on borders, rivers, trade, and developmental cooperation.”

Bangladesh remains India’s largest partner in concessional finance, with multiple infrastructure and connectivity projects in progress. “Our cooperation has continued uninterrupted despite recent political developments,” Misri said.

Economic and strategic stakes

Misri framed India’s engagement not just as diplomacy, but as a strategic investment in regional stability. “We have a very important stake in peace, progress, and development in Bangladesh,” he said.

Commercially, India is Bangladesh’s biggest Asian trade partner and a key importer of Bangladeshi goods. As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, Misri said it opens “an opportunity for a more modern, fair, and equal trading relationship.”

He also called for deeper cooperation in areas like energy, startups, and healthcare, sectors he said are “changing the face of geopolitics and geoeconomics.”

Border challenges and a call for ‘pragmatic solutions’

Addressing concerns over recurring border incidents, Misri acknowledged both sides’ sensitivities but urged practical solutions over blame. “We are concerned because these incidents primarily occur on the Indian side of the border,” he said, noting that “solutions are already on the table.”

The emphasis, he said, must remain on finding “workable and forward-looking answers” rather than being “overwhelmed by problems.”

Meanwhile in Dhaka: Tarique Rahman plots political return

Even as India signalled support for democratic restoration, political activity intensified in Bangladesh. Tarique Rahman, son of former PM Khaleda Zia and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), announced plans to return from his 26-year exile in London to contest the February elections.

“The time has come, and I will return soon,” Rahman told BBC Bangla. Asked if he would serve as prime minister if BNP wins, he said, “The people will decide.”

Rahman left Bangladesh in 2008 during legal proceedings against him in several corruption and criminal cases, including one alleging his involvement in the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina.

His return comes as BNP, once a major opposition force, now navigates a changed political landscape. The interim government has disbanded Hasina’s Awami League and banned its activities until ongoing trials of its leaders conclude.

Referendum row deepens

Bangladesh’s interim setup, led by Muhammad Yunus, has proposed a referendum on the so-called “July Declaration” a move to formally recognise last year’s uprising that toppled Hasina’s government.

Initially opposed to the referendum, the BNP has softened its stance. Senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday the referendum could be held alongside the general election, not before it, warning that holding it separately would “delay the polls and waste resources.”

Meanwhile, Hasina remains in India, her party dissolved and many of her senior colleagues imprisoned or absconding.