India on Sheikh Hasina Extradition: No Timeline Yet, Request Under Legal Examination

India has said it cannot give a fixed timeline for deciding on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as the matter remains under legal examination.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 in Dhaka, said New Delhi was handling Dhaka’s formal request through established legal and diplomatic procedures.

The issue has drawn considerable attention in Bangladesh after the government led by Tarique Rahman sought Hasina’s return to face legal proceedings.

Why Hasina Came to India

Hasina left Bangladesh and arrived in India in August 2024 amid a major political crisis in the neighbouring country.

Indian officials have described her entry into the country in the context of the humanitarian and security situation prevailing at the time. New Delhi has maintained that its decision was taken under the circumstances then confronting Bangladesh.

India has also stressed that its long-standing relationship with Bangladesh should not be viewed solely through the lens of changes in the country’s domestic politics.

Treaty Governs Extradition Request

The extradition process between India and Bangladesh is governed by the bilateral treaty signed in 2013 and amended in 2016.

The agreement provides mechanisms for extradition while also containing provisions that allow requests to be examined against specific exceptions and legal grounds.

Since the request is currently being reviewed, Indian authorities are expected to follow the procedures prescribed under the treaty and domestic law before reaching any conclusion.

The absence of a stated deadline means that Hasina’s potential extradition remains dependent on the completion of the legal review.

Bilateral Ties Continue Despite Dispute

The extradition issue has emerged alongside broader efforts to maintain India-Bangladesh engagement.

The two countries continue to have interests in areas including trade, energy connectivity, cross-border infrastructure and regional security. Indian officials have indicated that these areas of cooperation remain important despite political differences and the ongoing legal issue surrounding Hasina.

For now, New Delhi has provided no specific timeframe for a decision on Dhaka’s extradition request, with the matter continuing through the established legal process.