Why did former PM Sheikh Hasina come to India…S Jaishankar told the real reason, also spoke on relations with Bangladesh

New Delhi :External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made it clear amid the ongoing political turmoil over former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India is her own choice. Jaishankar said that he is in India since the protests in Bangladesh last year. Along with this he said that India is a good neighbor and well-wisher of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death
Let us tell you that despite the demand of former PM Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, India has not yet given any consent on this. Only last month, Hasina was sentenced to death for committing crimes against humanity. Along with this, a demand was also made from India to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. However, till now no action has been taken by the Government of India on this matter.

Haseena’s own decision to stay in India?
When Foreign Minister Jaishankar was asked during a program whether Sheikh Hasina can stay in India for as long as she wants? Answering this question, Jaishankar said that this is his own decision. She said that she had come to India in a special situation and now she would decide what to do next. Along with this, the Foreign Minister said that India would always want the democratic environment in its neighboring country Bangladesh to remain strong.

India maintains relations with all big countries
When he was asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, he replied that the relations between India and Russia have been the most stable major relations in the last 70 to 80 years. He further said that Putin’s visit to India will not have any impact on the US trade agreement. The Foreign Minister clearly said that India maintains relations with all the big countries. No country should expect to have a real veto on our decisions.

Trade a big issue for the US administration
Jaishankar said that at present trade is a big issue for the US administration, but India will negotiate with America only considering its terms and national interests. He said that diplomacy is not meant to please anyone, rather it is meant to protect the interests of the country. Regarding America, Jaishankar said that Trump has imposed 50% tariff on Indian goods and 25% additional tariff on buying Russian oil, due to which tension has arisen between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister said that both India and America are currently negotiating a trade agreement. This agreement will be taken forward only keeping in mind the interests of India’s farmers, small businessmen, laborers and middle class.

The foundation of foreign policy is free choice…
Talking about President Putin, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that as a large and emerging country, India will maintain good relations with all important countries. Talking about India’s foreign policy, he said that the foundation of our foreign policy is free choice and strategic independence. We will continue this policy in future also.