The former Bangladeshi leader and close Indian ally, remains “a strategic asset for Delhi’, an analyst says
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenMaria SiowPublished: 11:46am, 24 Apr 2026India’s agreement to review Dhaka’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition could hint at more flexibility over a deeply political issue, but observers warn that does not mean New Delhi is ready to hand the former Bangladesh ruler over just yet.
The ex-prime minister fled to India in August 2024 after her regime fell to protesters.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on April 17 it was conducting a formal review of Dhaka’s extradition request.
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The announcement – a significant shift from India’s previous non-committal stance – comes as Delhi tries to balance its legal obligations with a desire to stabilise ties with the new government in Dhaka.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar (right) shakes hands with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Khalilur Rahman, during a meeting in New Delhi on April 8. Photo: India’s Ministry of External Affairs/AFPOn April 8, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for a series of high-level talks in Delhi.AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x
