NEW DELHI: India is delaying the issuance of medical visas to Bangladeshi nationals, citing staff shortages amid worsening diplomatic ties—a move that could open the way for China which offers similar healthcare facilities, Western media reported on Thursday citing sources.
In 2023, most of India’s visas for Bangladeshis were granted to those seeking access to its affordable private healthcare and Bengali-speaking hospital staff.
This not only strengthened ties between the two countries but also helped reduce China’s influence in the region.
“When there is a vacuum, others will come and fill the space,” one of four Bangladesh sources, most of them diplomats, said. “Some people are going to Thailand and China.”
Since August, India has issued fewer than 1,000 medical visas each working day, down from a figure of 5,000 to 7,000, said the sources.
The numbers have declined as tensions have risen following the replacement of India’s long-time ally, Sheikh Hasina, by Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Following deadly protests that ousted her in August, Hasina fled to India to seek refuge. So far India has not responded to Bangladesh’s request to send her home for trial.
In 2023, India granted over 2 million visas to Bangladeshis, primarily for medical purposes, according to government data from both nations. However, India’s subsequent pullback has created a significant opportunity for China.
This month, a group of Bangladeshis visited the province of Yunnan for medical treatment, in a bid to “explore the potential of the medical tourism market”, said the Chinese ambassador, Yao Wen.
According to Wen, at least 14 Chinese companies have invested over $230 million in Bangladesh since the interim government took office, making it the largest investment from any country during that time.
Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister, Muhammad Yunus, is set to visit China this month to meet President Xi Jinping.
China, which is gradually rebuilding its relationship with India after the Himalayan border clashes in 2020, is reportedly planning to open a friendship hospital in Dhaka, according to the Bangladeshi government. Additionally, it has relaxed access for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in China.
China is willing to work together with Bangladesh to continuously deepen and explore mutually beneficial cooperation, a spokesperson of its foreign ministry said.
“The cooperation between China and Bangladesh is not targeted at any third party, nor is it influenced by third-party factors,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
