India has significantly reduced the number of medical visas issued to Bangladeshi patients, citing staffing shortages and security concerns. This decision is pushing many Bangladeshis to look for treatment in other countries, especially China, which is increasing its presence in the region.
Fewer Medical Visas for Bangladeshis
India used to approve between 5,000 and 7,000 medical visas daily for Bangladeshi patients. However, since August 2024, approvals have dropped to less than 1,000 per day. The change comes after a new interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, replaced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This shift in leadership has affected diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Bangladesh has repeatedly asked India to return to its previous visa policies, but India cites a lack of staff and security risks as reasons for the restrictions. Tensions between the countries grew after protesters in Dhaka attacked an Indian cultural center when India gave refuge to Hasina.
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China Offers an Alternative
As India slows down visa approvals, China is stepping in to offer medical treatment to Bangladeshis. Recently, a group of Bangladeshi nationals traveled to China’s Yunnan province for medical care, supported by Chinese authorities.
China is also planning to open a “friendship hospital” in Dhaka, and Chinese companies have invested over $230 million in Bangladesh since Yunus took office. This makes China the largest investor in Bangladesh during this period.
Geopolitical Tensions Rise
India has invested over $7 billion in Bangladesh for projects like rail links and nuclear infrastructure. However, talks between the two countries now focus on “rationalizing the project portfolio,” raising concerns about future cooperation.
Meanwhile, China is strengthening its ties with Bangladesh. The Chinese ambassador, Yao Wen, has met with top Bangladeshi officials and opposition leaders. Additionally, Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China this month to meet President Xi Jinping, signaling closer diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
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A Strategic Shift in South Asia
China’s growing influence in Bangladesh is part of a larger shift in South Asia. Experts believe India’s dominance in the region is being challenged.
“South Asia is changing, and China is becoming one of the most important players,” said Happymon Jacob, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, next month at a conference in Thailand. Meanwhile, China is continuing to strengthen its position in Bangladesh, taking advantage of India’s visa restrictions and diplomatic delays.
