A formal meeting during the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka has sparked a new political debate between India and Pakistan. Pakistan started exaggerating the mere handshake incident between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. At the same time, India made it clear in blunt words that this was just a courtesy and not any kind of conversation or initiative.
Foreign guests arrived at Khaleda Zia’s funeral
After the death of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, representatives of many countries participated in the funeral program organized in Dhaka. From the Indian side, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Dhaka on December 31, while from the Pakistani side, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq was present in the program.
formal meeting
During the program, there was a brief meeting of S Jaishankar and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the presence of leaders and representatives of various countries. During this, both of them shook hands as a courtesy. This meeting lasted only for a few moments and no formal conversation took place.
Pakistan trumpeted
Pakistan started calling this simple courtesy a big achievement. The Pakistani statement said that this is the first ‘important high-level meeting’ between India and Pakistan after May 2025. Pakistan also claimed that it is always ready for dialogue and peace with India.
India made its stand clear
India immediately clarified its position on Pakistan’s claims. Indian officials said that it was only a formal and courtesy call on the occasion of mourning. This should not be seen as any kind of political or strategic conversation.
Question on Pakistan’s double attitude
India expressed displeasure over the fact that Pakistan talks about peace abroad, but its attitude seems different in its own country. The Indian side said that it is not appropriate to misrepresent the dignified meeting that took place on the occasion of mourning.
