The Summary

India is likely to fully restart visa services in Bangladesh soon, in a sign that relations between the two countries are slowly returning to normal. A senior Indian consular official said the process is already in progress and more visa categories will open in phases.

As of now, India is issuing medical visas and a few limited-entry visas for Bangladeshi citizens. Tourist, business and other regular visas are expected to follow once the situation becomes stable and visa centres start functioning normally again.

Visa services were reduced last year because of political unrest and security concerns in Bangladesh. India had shut most of its visa application centres after threats and protests made operations difficult. Bangladesh had also slowed down visa services for Indians during this period.

The recent political change in Dhaka is being seen as an opportunity to improve bilateral ties. With a new leadership in place, both countries are showing interest in restoring normal travel and people-to-people contact.

Before the restrictions, Bangladesh was one of the biggest sources of foreign visitors to India. Thousands of Bangladeshi nationals travelled to India every day for medical treatment, education, tourism and business. The suspension had affected patients, students and traders the most.

Officials said restarting visa services will benefit common people and help economic and cultural exchanges between the two neighbours. It is also being viewed as an important confidence-building step after months of strained relations.

Once fully restored, the visa rule is expected to ease travel, boost healthcare visits, improve trade links and strengthen the long-standing ties between New Delhi and Dhaka.