India has rejected allegations by Bangladesh’s interim government that “fugitive” Awami League leaders and activists are conducting “anti-Bangladesh activities” from Indian territory.

On Wednesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said the government had no knowledge of any such operations.

“The Government of India is not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities by purported members of the Awami League in India or of any action that is contrary to Indian law,” Jaiswal told reporters, responding to a statement issued earlier by Dhaka.

He added: “The government does not allow political activities against other countries to be carried out from Indian soil,” describing Bangladesh’s statement as “misplaced.”

The clarification comes amid media reports from New Delhi and Kolkata suggesting that offices of the Awami League were being set up in India. These reports prompted the Bangladesh foreign ministry to issue a statement urging New Delhi to take immediate measures to prevent any Bangladeshi citizens from carrying out “anti-Bangladesh activities” on Indian soil. The ministry also demanded that the alleged offices be closed without delay.

While India denies any wrongdoing, the issue has added a layer of tension between the two neighbours, particularly as Bangladesh navigates a sensitive political period ahead of its upcoming national elections. Dhaka has repeatedly raised concerns about the activities of exiled political figures and their potential impact on domestic stability, and the foreign ministry’s statement reflects anxieties over the presence of Awami League operatives in India.

Observers say that while India maintains its position of non-interference, the development has become a point of political debate in Bangladesh, where rival parties often cite cross-border activities to challenge each other’s legitimacy and influence.