India will soon restore all visa services in Bangladesh, a senior diplomat confirmed. The announcement signals a potential thaw in strained bilateral relations.
Aniruddha Das, India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, shared the update publicly. Moreover, Bangladeshi media outlets reported his remarks widely.
He stated that authorities already issue medical and double-entry visas. Furthermore, officials are taking steps to resume travel and other categories.
Relations Built on Mutual Respect
Das emphasized that India-Bangladesh relations rest on mutual respect and honour. Additionally, he highlighted shared history and cultural connections between both nations.
“Ordinary people of both countries remain key stakeholders,” he said. Therefore, he stressed the importance of stable and positive long-term engagement.
He also noted that values and traditions have linked the nations for centuries. Consequently, rebuilding trust remains a shared objective.
Background: Ties Soured After 2024 Upheaval
Relations deteriorated after the July-August 2024 agitation in Bangladesh. The unrest led to the fall of the Awami League government.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India during the crisis. Consequently, political perceptions shifted sharply within Bangladesh.
Many in Bangladesh viewed New Delhi as supportive of Hasina’s administration. Therefore, bilateral ties faced increased political scrutiny.
Interim Government and Diplomatic Strain
During the Muhammad Yunus-led interim administration, tensions deepened further. Authorities released several anti-India figures from prison.
Moreover, anti-India campaigns intensified during that period. Consequently, Indian diplomatic missions faced growing security concerns.
India responded by suspending visa services on December 17, 2025. Officials first closed the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka.
However, authorities had earlier suspended operations nationwide on August 8, 2024. They cited an unstable situation following the political upheaval.
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Gradual Restoration of Services
After initial suspension, India partially restored certain visa categories. Authorities prioritized medical and essential travel needs.
Nevertheless, issuance levels remained significantly lower than previous figures. Before August 2024, India issued around 8,000 visas daily.
However, that number dropped sharply to nearly 1,500 daily. Consequently, travel and people-to-people exchanges declined substantially.
Political Change Brings Renewed Optimism
Following the February 12 election, Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister. Observers believe the leadership change created new diplomatic openings.
Therefore, both sides now appear willing to mend bilateral ties. Officials expect visa restoration to support this renewed engagement.
Moreover, restoring travel categories may strengthen trade and cultural exchanges. Consequently, ordinary citizens stand to benefit most from normalized relations.
A Step Toward Diplomatic Stability
India’s decision to fully restore visa services marks a significant development. It signals confidence in improved security and political conditions.
Furthermore, the move underscores the importance of stable cross-border cooperation. Therefore, visa normalization could become a foundation for broader reconciliation.
As both governments pursue dialogue, regional stability may strengthen. Ultimately, restored mobility could help rebuild trust between Delhi and Dhaka.
