Published: 12:14 AM, 08 May 2026
India denies role in election engineering in Bangladesh
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said that although India has worked with different governments in Bangladesh in the past, it had no involvement in any alleged "election engineering." Rejecting accusations that India played a role in Bangladesh's electoral process, he said India expects the people of Bangladesh to choose their own leadership.
He made the remarks on Wednesday (6 May 2026) during an exchange of views with a delegation of visiting Bangladeshi journalists in New Delhi. Discussions covered a range of issues, including Teesta water-sharing, renewal of the Ganges treaty, visa arrangements, energy cooperation, regional politics, and recent controversial comments.
Vikram Misri said that Bangladesh-India relations should be based on mutual respect and a balance of interests. He emphasized that the relationship needs to move forward for the welfare of the people of both countries.
Mentioning that communication had slowed somewhat during the tenure of the interim government, he said India had still tried to maintain engagement during that period. He also referred to his visit to Dhaka in 2024 and the meeting between interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangkok in 2025.
The Indian foreign secretary further said that communication has now begun with Bangladesh's new political leadership. Initiatives are being taken to reactivate various bilateral platforms between the two countries. Both sides are also interested in expanding trade, simplifying visa procedures, and potentially signing a CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement).
