India Distances Itself From Hasina's Press Conference

Indian MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responds to questions from journalists today (17 July).

India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent press conference, saying the Indian government had no involvement in the event and does not endorse statements made there.

Speaking at the Ministry of External Affairs' weekly media briefing on Friday, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the virtual press conference held on August 5 was organised by a private platform or organisation.

"The government had no role to play in what was an event by a private media entity, and it does not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted government of Bangladesh," Jaiswal said.

He also addressed other issues during the briefing, including India's parliamentary sovereignty concerning restrictions on foreign funding, maritime security for Indian vessels transiting the Red Sea, and diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.