India's Ministry of External Affairs denied any involvement in organizing a virtual address by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina [1].
The clarification comes as New Delhi seeks to maintain diplomatic distance from the event's content and organization. By distancing itself from the proceedings, the Indian government avoids potential diplomatic friction regarding the views expressed by the former Bangladeshi leader.
Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said the matter on June 12, 2024 [1]. He said that the government of India has no role in organizing the virtual address [1]. The statement was issued from the ministry's headquarters in New Delhi [1].
Jaiswal said that a private entity is responsible for the event's organization [2]. Because the government is not involved in the planning or execution, it does not endorse any views shared during the address [2]. This distinction separates official state policy from the activities of private organizations operating within India.
The ministry's response emphasizes that the virtual event is not a state-sponsored activity. The government's position remains that the event is independent and does not reflect the official stance of the Indian administration [1], [2].
“"The Government of India has no role in organising the virtual address."”
This denial serves as a diplomatic safeguard for India. By attributing the event to a private entity, New Delhi prevents the virtual address from being interpreted as an official state endorsement of Sheikh Hasina's current political positions, thereby mitigating potential tension with the current administration in Bangladesh.
