India says it has no involvement in a private New Delhi event where former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to deliver a virtual speech.
The clarification comes as the Indian government seeks to distance itself from the political activities of the former leader, avoiding potential diplomatic friction with the current administration in Bangladesh.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Indian Foreign Ministry, addressed the matter on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2024 [1]. He said the event is being organized by a private entity and does not represent the official position or actions of the Indian government [1].
The event is set to take place in New Delhi, though Hasina will not be physically present to deliver her remarks. By emphasizing the private nature of the gathering, the ministry aims to clarify that the state is not facilitating the speech, or providing official diplomatic support for the address [1].
This distancing occurs amid a complex geopolitical environment. The Indian government has maintained a cautious stance regarding the former prime minister's public engagements since her departure from office. The ministry's statement serves to mitigate any perception that New Delhi is actively coordinating with Hasina to influence internal Bangladeshi politics [1].
Jaiswal said the government's lack of involvement is absolute, reinforcing that the responsibility for the event's organization lies solely with the private organizers [1]. The ministry did not provide further details regarding the specific identity of the private entity involved in the arrangements.
“India says it has no involvement in a private New Delhi event”
India is attempting to maintain a neutral diplomatic posture to avoid destabilizing its relationship with the current Bangladeshi government. By publicly labeling the event as a private venture, New Delhi seeks to prevent the virtual speech from being interpreted as an official endorsement of Sheikh Hasina or an attempt to interfere in Bangladesh's domestic affairs.
