India cuts medical visas, paving the way for China's influence
- India has significantly reduced the number of medical visas granted to Bangladeshis, attributing this to staffing issues.
- The visa decrease has created an opportunity for China to increase its influence and investments in Bangladesh.
- The ongoing tension in India-Bangladesh relations may lead to a prolonged alienation of India in Dhaka.
In recent months, India has drastically scaled back its issuance of medical visas to Bangladeshis, partly attributing this reduction to staffing shortages amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations. Since August 2023, the number of medical visas provided by India has plunged to fewer than 1,000 per day from an average of 5,000 to 7,000. This decline represents a significant shift in India's approach, which traditionally granted a large number of medical visas, helping many Bangladeshis access affordable healthcare. In 2023 alone, India issued over two million visas to Bangladeshis, with a significant portion being for medical reasons. This visa reduction coincides with heightened tensions following Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and recent political changes in the country. The ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid protests in August has led to a cooling of relationships between New Delhi and Dhaka. Hasina sought refuge in India, where her request to return for trial has gone unanswered. This lack of cooperation has not only strained governmental relations but also affected public sentiment in Bangladesh against India, leading to protests and attacks against Indian assets there. Consequently, the void left by India's pullback on medical visas has opened a path for China to strengthen its influence in Bangladesh. Chinese investments have surged in the region as at least 14 companies have invested over $230 million since the current government took power. The ambassador from China noted that Bangladeshi patients have begun turning to China for medical care, suggesting that some are exploring the medical tourism market in the hope of securing necessary treatments abroad. The impact of India's visa policy on public diplomacy has been stark. With many Bangladeshis feeling isolated and frustrated, the Indian government has acknowledged its responsibility to facilitate better access to medical care, but stresses that additional staff won't be deployed to missions until stability returns to Bangladesh. The political and public sentiment in Bangladesh indicates that India may remain out of favor for an extended period unless there are substantial changes in diplomatic engagement and visa processing practices. The situation illustrates a significant strategic shift in South Asia, with China rising to fill the vacuum left by India's retreat.