India is currently examining Bangladesh's formal request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since her ouster in August 2024. This request follows a death sentence handed down to Hasina by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, where she was convicted in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity related to her administration's crackdown during protests last year.

The Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs, has confirmed receipt of the extradition plea and stated that the matter is under careful review as part of ongoing judicial and legal processes. India has reiterated its commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in Bangladesh and maintained a cautious stance, emphasizing constructive engagement with all stakeholders in the region. The official position highlights India’s obligation to balance legal considerations alongside bilateral relations and regional stability.

Bangladesh's interim government insists that India's cooperation is vital, framing the request as an obligatory part of their bilateral extradition treaty signed in 2013, which aims to facilitate the handover of fugitives involved in serious crimes. However, India's extradition treaty allows for denials based on political grounds and due process concerns, adding complexity to the situation, especially given the politically charged nature of Hasina’s trial and conviction.

The backdrop to this ongoing diplomatic issue involves heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries. Hasina's government in Dhaka was toppled amid mass protests, and her subsequent refuge in India has strained political ties. While Dhaka awaits a formal response, India’s measured approach underscores the interplay between legal frameworks and geopolitical strategy in handling such sensitive extradition matters.

This case highlights the challenges in applying extradition treaties amid political upheaval and human rights concerns, with India navigating its regional commitments while assessing legal merits and potential implications for bilateral cooperation. It also illustrates how extradition requests can become focal points for broader diplomatic dynamics between neighboring countries.