Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Jaishankar Meets Pakistani Speaker in Dhaka
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met briefly in Dhaka, Bangladesh, while attending the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
This meeting was the first high-level interaction between India and Pakistan since Operation Sindoor.
Both sides clarified that this was just a casual greeting and not a formal meeting.
India stated that there is no change in its policy towards Pakistan, and Bangladesh and India are looking to strengthen their ties.
The interaction happened in the presence of other international dignitaries who were also there for the funeral.
Jaishankar also met Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and handed him a letter of condolence from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pakistan emphasized the handshake as a positive step towards dialogue, while India maintained that normalization of ties can only occur in an environment free of cross-border terrorism.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq exchanged greetings in Dhaka at the funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia.
This was the first high-level interaction between India and Pakistan since Operation Sindoor.
The interaction was brief and customary, with no formal meeting or discussion on bilateral issues.
India clarified that there is no change in its policy towards Pakistan, emphasizing that normalization of ties can only occur in an environment free of cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan emphasized the handshake as a positive step towards dialogue, highlighting its consistent calls for peace talks and joint investigations.
- Who
- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq
- What
- Brief greeting at the funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia
- When
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Where
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Why
- Both were attending the funeral; interaction was customary and not a formal meeting
Pakistan
India
Nature of Interaction
Pakistan
Pakistan emphasized the handshake as a positive step towards dialogue and cooperation, highlighting its consistent calls for peace talks and joint investigations.
India
India described the interaction as a routine courtesy handshake, with no change in its policy towards Pakistan, emphasizing that normalization of ties can only occur in an environment free of cross-border terrorism.
Response to Terrorism
Pakistan
Pakistan claims it has consistently emphasized dialogue, restraint, and cooperative measures, including proposals for peace talks and joint investigations to prevent escalation and aggression.
India
India has taken calibrated diplomatic and strategic measures, including suspending participation in the Indus Waters Treaty and launching Operation Sindoor, to safeguard national security and counter terrorism.
- Location
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Event
- Funeral of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia
- Indian Representative
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
- Pakistani Representative
- National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq
- Nature of Interaction
- Brief greeting, no formal meeting or discussion
- India's Stance
- No change in policy towards Pakistan; normalization requires a terrorism-free environment
- Pakistan's Stance
- Emphasized dialogue, restraint, and cooperative measures, including proposals for peace talks and joint investigations
- Bangladesh-India Relations
- Looking to strengthen ties
- Other Attendees
- Leaders from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives
- Khaleda Zia's Son
- Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP
- PM Modi's Gesture
- Sent a personal letter of condolence to Tarique Rahman
- Pahalgam Terror Attack
- 26 tourists killed; India blames Pakistan-backed terror networks
- Operation Sindoor
- Indian military operation targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, 2025
- Indus Waters Treaty
- India suspended participation following the Pahalgam attack
Sources
Jaishankar 'exchanges greetings' with Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka: Yunus shares pics
S Jaishankar Meets Tarique Rahman, Pak Speaker At Khaleda Zia's Funeral
S Jaishankar meets Pak Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka
Khaleda Zia funeral: Handing over letter from Modi, Jaishankar meets ex-PM’s son, flags ‘partnership’
PM Modi sends condolence letter to Khaleda Zia's son as Jaishankar attends Dhaka funeral
Helped Boost Ties: PM In Letter To Tarique Rahman After Khaleda Zia's Death
Congress attacks Jaishankar over meeting with Pakistani Speaker in Dhaka, questions Govt’s stand after Pahalgam attack
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker briefly interacts with EAM Jaishankar in Dhaka
'Leader Of Rare Resolve, Conviction': PM Modi's Letter To Tarique Rahman On Khaleda Zia's Death
Pakistan amplifies Jaishankar's Dhaka handshake with Speaker Sadiq, pitches for talks to prevent any 'escalation'
Pakistan Amplifies Jaishankar–Sadiq Handshake Amid Strained Ties
Pakistan uses Jaishankar-Sadiq courtesy meet in Bangladesh to push fake propaganda
Extremists attacking Kashmiris are on Hitler’s path, will go away: Farooq Abdullah
Rahman thanks Yunus govt functionaries, foreign dignitaries for support during Khaleda Zia’s funeral
Rajnath visits Bangladesh High Commission, signs condolence for Khaleda Zia
Rajnath visits Bangladesh High Commission, signs condolence for Khaleda Zia
Rajnath Singh visits Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, pays tribute to Khaleda Zia
