India says it does not endorse Hasina remarks about Bangladesh

India said Friday it does not endorse remarks made by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders during an Aug. 5 media event in New Delhi.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the event was organized by a private media entity and that the Indian government had no role in it.

“The government does not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted government of Bangladesh,” Jaiswal said.

Bangladesh had earlier asked India to ensure that Hasina could not use Indian territory for political statements or activities that Dhaka said could create instability.

After the event, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry called Hasina’s appearance “an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh” and said it could damage bilateral relations.

Hasina has lived in India since leaving Bangladesh on Aug. 5, 2024.