South Asia

India snubs Bangladesh on medical visas, opening way for China

Published: 13:51, 19 March 2025

India has significantly reduced the number of medical visas issued to Bangladeshi nationals, citing staffing constraints, according to six sources familiar with the matter. The move comes amid strained diplomatic ties, and analysts suggest it could pave the way for China to expand its influence in the region through medical tourism and closer people-to-people connections.

In 2023, a large portion of Indian visas granted to Bangladeshi citizens were for medical treatment, the country’s cost-effective healthcare system and the availability of Bengali-speaking medical staff. This arrangement helped strengthen bilateral relations and served as a counterbalance to China’s regional ambitions.
However, since August, the number of medical visas issued daily has dropped drastically—from around 5,000–7,000 to fewer than 1,000, according to sources who requested anonymity due to professional constraints. This sharp decline follows a shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with a transitional government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus replacing India’s long-time ally, Sheikh Hasina.
India had previously issued over 2 million visas to Bangladeshi nationals in 2023, with the majority for medical purposes, as per official data from both nations. The recent slowdown, however, has created an opening for China to step in.
Earlier this month, a group of Bangladeshis traveled to China’s Yunnan province to explore medical tourism options, according to Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen. He also noted that at least 14 Chinese firms have invested over $230 million in Bangladesh since the new administration took office—more than any other country during the same period.
Yunus is also expected to visit China soon for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, further underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations.
China is considering establishing a "friendship hospital" in Dhaka and has simplified procedures for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in the country. A spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry emphasized that its cooperation with Bangladesh is based on mutual benefit and not aimed at undermining any third party.