Kathmandu— The Indian government has denied any involvement in an upcoming media event featuring former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating that it is being organized by a private entity. The clarification came during a bi-weekly press briefing where MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the government neither sponsors nor endorses the views to be expressed at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia event in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Bangladesh Raises Concerns

Bangladesh has expressed concerns over Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address, fearing it could impact bilateral relations. These worries were conveyed to India during a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and the newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi.

The issue of Sheikh Hasina’s appearance has become a point of contention as Bangladesh seeks assurances that it will not strain ties with India. The country's foreign ministry confirmed receipt of an invitation for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit outreach session but noted that the decision rests with the Prime Minister's Office.

BRICS Invitation Context

India has extended invitations to both Sheikh Hasina and current Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in connection with the 18th BRICS Summit. The invitation for Sheikh Hasina is tied to her role as a private media figure, while that for Prime Minister Rahman is related to his position as the BIMSTEC chair.

MEA spokesperson Jaiswal explained that invitations are extended according to standard practices followed in BRICS summits and outreach sessions.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.