Bangladesh Restores Full Visa Services in India Amid Diplomatic Reset

New Delhi: Bangladesh has resumed full visa and consular services at its diplomatic missions in India, including those in New Delhi, Agartala, and Siliguri, marking a significant step in improving bilateral ties after months of disruption.

Consular operations had been suspended since late December 2025 following security concerns and protests near Bangladeshi diplomatic premises. The suspension began on 22 December, when the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and the Assistant High Commission in Agartala halted services indefinitely, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” The visa application centre in Siliguri followed shortly thereafter.

The restoration of services comes in the wake of a major political shift in Dhaka. Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister after his party’s decisive victory in recent elections, ending the Yunus-led interim period that had coincided with strained relations with India.

Diplomatic observers view the resumption of visa services as an early signal from the new Bangladeshi government of its intention to reset ties with New Delhi. During the previous interim administration, bilateral relations had faced challenges, with rising anti-India rhetoric and disruptions affecting normal diplomatic and consular activities.

The diplomatic thaw has also been reflected at the leadership level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Bangladeshi counterpart soon after the oath-taking ceremony and extended congratulations on the BNP’s electoral success. Modi reportedly emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across connectivity, trade, energy, and regional initiatives.

A formal invitation for Rahman to visit India was conveyed through a personal letter delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who attended the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka. The gesture has been interpreted as an effort to reinforce high-level engagement between the two neighbours. The swift restoration of visa and consular services is expected to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, ease travel, and support economic interactions. Analysts note that while India-Bangladesh relations have historically been close, the latest developments suggest a renewed momentum toward stabilizing and enhancing bilateral cooperation.