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A brief handshake between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s NA Speaker at Khaleda Zia’s funeral in Dhaka sparked political debate, with India calling it mere courtesy and rejecting Pakistan’s claims.
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New Delhi: Following the death of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, her funeral was held in Dhaka. Senior leaders and representatives from several countries attended the event.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on December 31, while Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was also present. It was a condolence gathering where representatives from different countries came to pay their respects.
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During the funeral, in the presence of various leaders, S. Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had a very brief encounter. The two leaders simply shook hands formally, as is customary at international events. This meeting lasted only a few moments, and there was no conversation, discussion, or dialogue on bilateral issues.
Pakistan began to exaggerate this simple courtesy. Pakistani statements described it as the first "significant high-level meeting" between India and Pakistan since May 2025. Pakistan also claimed that it is always ready to engage in dialogue and advance the peace process with India.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
India immediately clarified the situation regarding Pakistan's claims. Indian officials stated unequivocally that it was merely a formal meeting on a solemn occasion. It is wrong to interpret it in any way as a political, diplomatic, or strategic discussion. India also clarified that this meeting has no bearing on India-Pakistan relations.
India expressed its dissatisfaction with the entire episode, stating that Pakistan speaks of peace and dialogue on international platforms, while its stance on internal and border-related issues appears different.
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India maintained that giving a political spin to a dignified and formal meeting held on a solemn occasion is inappropriate. Conclusion
This incident in Dhaka demonstrates how a simple act of courtesy can be transformed into a political controversy. India has made it clear that it does not accept attempts to distort the facts and that occasions of mourning should be kept free from politics.
