Sheikh Hasina Extradition: Analysts Weigh India’s Position
Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus presents a photograph to PM Narendra Modi (Image credit Bangladesh Govt)
Dispelling the notion that Hasina was pro-India, Kochchar argued that “she did what was good for her nation. Friendship to all, malice to none.”
By TRH Foreign Affairs Desk
New Delhi, November 18, 2025 — Amid emerging diplomatic flashpoint, Bangladesh’s demand for extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to be mired in the regional geopolitics play. Foreign affairs commentators argued that India is not under any compulsion to accede to the demand of Dhaka irrespective of the bilateral extradition treaty.
“Sheikh Hasina did not come to India at New Delhi’s invitation. She was effectively packed off to India by Bangladesh’s powerful military — and without even tendering her formal resignation,” Brahma Chellaney wrote on LinkedIn.
The US-based geopolitical analyst argued that “after putting her on a military aircraft bound for India, the army chief went on national television to announce that he had taken charge until an interim regime was installed.”
“It is doubly ironic, then, that an unelected, military-backed regime presiding over rampant rights abuses is now demanding that India extradite the 78-year-old Hasina, rather than explaining why the army itself forced her departure and left New Delhi with little choice,” noted Chellaney.
He also argued that “international law does not empower an unconstitutionally installed regime to seek the extradition of an elected head of government who was driven into exile by the military.”
“The regime-appointed tribunal’s death sentence against Hasina yesterday was a verdict written in advance, in the best tradition of political show trials. Indeed, the proceedings were so farcical that calling the tribunal a kangaroo court would be an insult to kangaroos,” he added.
Major General (Retd) Dr Rajan Kochhar, replied to him, saying that “Sheikh Hasina was never in a great relationship with India. She balanced her foreign policy and got China inside Chittagong.”
Dispelling the notion that Hasina was pro-India, Kochchar argued that “she did what was good for her nation. Friendship to all, malice to none.”
“However, she maintained a pro India stance and ensured no cross-border terrorism takes place. Major infrastructure projects were given to China,” he added.
The military veteran also stated that Hasina “balanced this relationship quite well. India needs to stand by her and this sham verdict needs to be condemned.”
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