India’s neighbourhood diplomacy has rarely been straightforward, but the crisis surrounding former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s conviction and death sentence has created one of New Delhi’s most complex tests in recent years. For a decade and a half, India backed Sheikh Hasina as a partner who delivered predictable governance, alignment on regional priorities and unprecedented connectivity. Her sudden fall, and the sweeping public anger that accompanied it, has overturned that comfort.

Now, India must navigate a political landscape in Dhaka that is shifting faster than at any time since Bangladesh’s democratic transition. At the heart of the dilemma is Hasina’s presence on Indian soil after being sentenced to death by a special tribunal. Extradition is politically unthinkable in Delhi, not only because she has long been viewed as a steadfast friend but also because turning her over would undermine India’s credibility with every government that relies on New Delhi’s support. Yet........

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