India signals visa services resumption in Bangladesh as bilateral ties show signs of recovery

PTC Web Desk:  In what appears to be a positive shift in India-Bangladesh relations, a senior Indian diplomat has indicated that New Delhi is preparing to fully restore visa services in Bangladesh in the near future. Aniruddha Das, India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, said the process to resume all categories of visas was currently underway.

According to Bangladeshi media reports, India has already restarted issuing medical and double-entry visas, while other categories, including regular travel visas, are expected to follow soon.

Speaking to local outlets, Das emphasised that relations between the two neighbouring countries are rooted in mutual respect and shared history. He noted that people on both sides of the border remain central to maintaining a stable and constructive partnership.

Diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Dhaka had deteriorated sharply following the political unrest in July-August 2024 that led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exit of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India had enjoyed particularly close relations with Bangladesh during Hasina’s tenure, which began in 2009. However, sections within Bangladesh increasingly viewed New Delhi as supportive of her administration, especially during its later years when criticism over authoritarian tendencies grew.

Bilateral tensions worsened further under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. During that period, the release of certain radical and anti-India figures from prison added to friction between the two countries. Amid escalating anti-India sentiment and security concerns for its diplomatic missions, India began scaling down visa operations in Bangladesh. From December 17, 2025, visa services were suspended in phases, beginning with the closure of the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka.

The political landscape shifted again after the February 12 elections, which brought Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman to power. Since then, diplomatic observers have noted signs of recalibration, with both governments appearing willing to stabilise and rebuild ties.

Das reiterated that ordinary citizens of both nations would benefit the most from improved relations, highlighting the deep cultural, historical and civilisational links that bind the two countries.