India ready to work with govt elected through free, fair polls: Vikram Misri

India will work with the government in Bangladesh that is elected through a free, fair, and participatory election, regardless of which political party comes to power, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday.

Addressing a meeting with a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) at the South Block in New Delhi, Misri said India is ready to cooperate with any government chosen by the people of Bangladesh.

“India wants to see free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh as soon as possible. Whichever government is formed through that process, we will work with it,” he said.

The Indian foreign secretary noted that Bangladesh’s interim government has already announced that elections will be held in February next year, adding that India hopes the polls will take place as scheduled.

Misri reiterated that India gives top priority to its relations with Bangladesh. He mentioned that after Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed office as head of government, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first world leader to congratulate him. Cooperation between the two countries continues across multiple sectors, he added.

Responding to a question on visa restrictions, Misri said that although some categories are limited, Dhaka remains the largest source of Indian visas issued worldwide. “India always values strong people-to-people ties between our two nations,” he said.

On regional security, Misri stated that India places great importance on peace and stability in South Asia and seeks to prevent the rise of extremism in the region. “India prioritizes regional cooperation with its neighbors, including Bangladesh, on security matters,” he said.

When asked about Dhaka’s request for the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Misri termed it a legal issue and declined further comment.

Regarding the Ganges Water Treaty and the Teesta River project, Misri said that joint efforts between India and Bangladesh are ongoing to resolve the matters through mutual understanding.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.