India’s restriction on medical visas for Bangladesh is attributed to staffing issues and deteriorating relations, allowing China to expand its influence. The issuance of medical visas declined significantly in 2023, coinciding with political changes in Bangladesh. As Bangladesh seeks medical tourism in China, bilateral ties with Beijing strengthen, indicating a shift in regional dynamics.

India’s reluctance to resume normal medical visa issuance to Bangladesh results from staffing shortages and deteriorating bilateral relations, creating an opening for China to fill this gap. In 2023, India issued a significant amount of medical visas, which were crucial for maintaining strong ties but has since seen a sharp decline to fewer than 1,000 medical visas per day from previously issuing 5,000 to 7,000 daily.

The cooling of relations follows the emergence of a new interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, which replaced long-time ally Sheikh Hasina, whose ousting was marred by unrest. The Indian government, which has offered refuge to Hasina, has yet to respond to requests regarding her return for trial. In response to India’s visa limitations, Bangladeshis are seeking medical assistance in other countries, including China and Thailand.

This month, a delegation of Bangladeshis traveled to Yunnan, China, to explore medical tourism opportunities, while investments by Chinese companies in Bangladesh are substantially increasing, with commitments exceeding $230 million. As Bengal’s de facto prime minister Yunus plans a visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, discussions about a potential friendship hospital in Dhaka are also underway.

Furthermore, China has stated its intention to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh and is willing to increase accessibility to medical facilities for Bangladeshi patients. The foreign ministry of China has clarified that their growing partnership is not targeting any third country.

India’s slow visa processing is damaging its image in Bangladesh, and it faces challenges restoring goodwill amid security concerns for its diplomatic staff following protests against its involvement in Bangladeshi politics. The Indian government acknowledges the importance of medical visas but indicated that staff resources would only be increased following the stabilization of Bangladesh’s political situation.

Meanwhile, while India maintains substantial financial commitments to various projects in Bangladesh, including credits over $7 billion, the engagement between Bangladesh and China is intensifying. Recent visits by Bangladeshi politicians to China suggest a shift toward stronger ties, with Yunus indicating openness to further market integration with China. Predictions indicate that India’s historical influence in the region is being challenged, with analysts noting a strategic shift favoring China’s presence in South Asia, once primarily dominated by India.

In summary, India’s hesitance in issuing medical visas to Bangladesh is creating an opportunity for Chinese influence to expand in the region. The political dynamics between India and Bangladesh have shifted dramatically following a change in government, further complicating bilateral relations. As Bangladesh explores alternatives for medical assistance and reinforces ties with China, the strategic landscape of South Asia is evolving, challenging India’s historical dominance in the area.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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