New Delhi is poised to resume tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals by the end of May or early June, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations, sources indicate.
Currently, India processes around 1,000 medical visas daily for Bangladeshis. Efforts are underway to restart tourist visa issuance, which is expected to take place soon, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke to Businessline.
The April visit of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to New Delhi marked a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic ties. This was the first high-level interaction since the political transition in Dhaka, facilitating a renewal of consular services and improved connectivity.
Discussions are ongoing between the two governments regarding the resumption of technical meetings across various sectors, including trade, customs, water sharing, border management, and consular matters. These talks aim to address outstanding issues between the nations.
Relations had soured during the 18 months when Muhammad Yunus was in power, primarily due to tensions regarding India’s prior support for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and remarks from Dhaka concerning India’s Northeast, perceived by New Delhi as challenges to its sovereignty.
The situation has since “stabilized” with the inauguration of Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister in February 2026. His administration, backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to foster a more pragmatic, commerce-oriented relationship with India, according to the source.
Recent diplomatic engagements, including senior-level discussions on trade, security cooperation, and transit matters, have intensified the conversations about reinstating standard visa operations.
Bangladesh resumed issuing tourist visas for Indian citizens in late February after the new government took office, having suspended them in December 2025 in preparation for general elections amid diplomatic tensions and security concerns.
Following the 2024 political upheaval, India had significantly reduced visa issuance, citing security threats. From approximately 6,000–7,000 daily visas prior to the regime change, the number fell to between 1,000 and 1,500 per day by early 2026, limited mainly to medical emergencies.
Businesses on both sides are optimistic that the revival of technical talks will help to resolve trade restrictions and transshipment limits imposed over the past year.
As of FY25, Bangladesh remains India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, with exports to India estimated at $11.46 billion and imports at $2.05 billion.
Published on May 10, 2026.
