Both Countries Must Consider Mutual Interests: Jaishankar

Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said the two countries must take each other’s “mutual interests” into account and work toward finding common ground.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday (August 22), Jaishankar was asked about Bangladesh’s demand for India to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He declined to discuss the specifics of diplomatic talks, saying that for any relationship to work effectively, both sides must benefit from it.

“The relationship has to work for them, and it has to work for us.”

Jaishankar said he takes a pragmatic approach to relations with neighbouring countries. He said India cannot expect its neighbours to act solely according to Indian interests; instead, India must understand and respect their interests while expecting the same in return.

According to him, relationships progress when both sides can identify shared interests or a basis for compromise.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained strained since August 2024, when Sheikh Hasina was removed from power and subsequently went to India.

The Bangladeshi government has repeatedly sought her return. She faces a death sentence in Bangladesh.

According to The Indian Express, relations had shown some signs of improvement after Tarique Rahman took charge of Bangladesh in February this year. However, tensions increased again after Sheikh Hasina delivered a public address via an audio link from New Delhi on August 5.

The renewed tensions have also created uncertainty over a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, which the two countries are reportedly discussing.

Jaishankar's remarks suggest that New Delhi is emphasising reciprocity and mutually acceptable interests as the basis for moving the bilateral relationship forward.