India reviewing Bangladesh's request to extradite Sheikh Hasina: Jaiswal

India is reviewing Bangladesh’s request to extradite it's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted during the July mass uprising, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday (August 18).

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly press briefing, Jaiswal said India’s position on the extradition request remained unchanged and that such requests were being examined through established procedures.

He also said India wanted to maintain a “positive, constructive and forward-looking” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual interests and equality.

Asked about Hasina’s recent virtual interaction with journalists in New Delhi, Jaiswal said there was no need to restate India’s position on the former prime minister’s press conference.

On Bangladesh’s request for an additional supply of around 8,000 litres of fuel, Jaiswal said energy cooperation between the two countries was continuing. He said the request was being reviewed in light of India’s domestic requirements, refining capacity and availability.

On the Teesta water-sharing issue, Jaiswal said India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers and that all water-related discussions should take place through the Joint Rivers Commission and existing bilateral mechanisms.

Asked about a possible visit to India by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jaiswal said a cordial invitation had been extended and that any new developments regarding the visit would be announced.