India unlikely to extradite Hasina

India is unlikely to comply with Bangladesh’s interim government’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing geopolitical factors and the provisions of the bilateral extradition treaty.

Hasina, widely regarded as a key ally of India, has consistently safeguarded its strategic interests, making her extradition a sensitive issue for New Delhi, reports the Economic Times.

An insider told the newspaper, “Sheikh Hasina has been instrumental in protecting India’s interests, from cracking down on radical elements to fostering sub-regional cooperation. Sacrificing such a trusted ally would be a strategic misstep.”

According to Indian government officials, the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty explicitly excludes cases deemed “political in nature,” creating a significant legal barrier to the request. 

They believe that acceding to this demand could send negative signals to India’s allies in the region and undermine its diplomatic relationships.

The officials told the Economic Times that Bangladesh’s interim regime, led by Muhammad Yunus, is employing pressure tactics to secure Hasina’s extradition. However, India is expected to carefully scrutinise the request, a process that may take several months.

There is growing apprehension within the Indian power structure that Sheikh Hasina could face politically motivated charges if she were to return to Bangladesh under the current regime and the interim government might fabricate cases against her to diminish her political influence.

This is not the first time Sheikh Hasina has sought refuge in India. She previously went into exile in India following the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Her current presence in India is expected to bolster the morale of the Awami League, which is strategising its return to power.

India, known for its tradition of offering refuge to political figures, including the Dalai Lama, is likely to consider the broader implications of this case. The decision on Sheikh Hasina’s extradition will be influenced not only by legal and treaty obligations but also by India’s long-term strategic interests in the region.