India today said it has "nothing to add at this point" regarding Bangladesh's interim government's request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
During his weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked if India had responded to Bangladesh's extradition request.
Jaiswal said, "A week ago, I confirmed that we received a communication from the Bangladeshi authorities regarding former PM Sheikh Hasina. I have nothing to add at this point."
When questioned about a Chattogram court's decision to deny bail to Hindu monk Chinmay Krishna Das, Jaiswal remarked, "We expect a fair trial for the individual you mentioned."
Responding to reports that Bangladesh plans to purchase battle tanks from a Turkish firm and whether India perceives this as a signal, the spokesperson said, "We closely follow all security issues and take appropriate action as necessary."
Regarding ties with Dhaka, Jaiswal referred to a press release issued following Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Bangladesh on December 9.
He highlighted India's approach to fostering relations with Bangladesh, which he described as supporting "a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh."
Jaiswal added, "[The foreign secretary] reiterated India's willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. He emphasised that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, noting that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh -- including in connectivity, trade, power, energy, and capacity building -- are all aimed at benefiting the people of Bangladesh."
Jaiswal echoed this response when asked about the release of Indian and Bangladeshi fishermen, as well as the proposal in Bangladesh to replace the 1972 Constitution.
Addressing recent reports of India cracking down on infiltration from Bangladesh in various states, Jaiswal said, "Our security forces are acting appropriately when people take illegal routes for immigration."
On the issue of deporting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in recent days, he stated that he did not have the latest figures but would provide updates later.
When asked about a Washington Post report claiming India sought a regime change in the Maldives after the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, Jaiswal sharply criticized the publication, saying, "The report seems to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. I leave it to you to judge its credibility. As far as we are concerned, there is none."