Wednesday, March 19, 2025 India cuts medical visas for Bangladesh citing staffing shortages as China seizes the opportunity with expanding healthcare investments and economic ties. India Tightens Medical Visa Access for Bangladesh as China Expands Influence Through Healthcare and Investments India is scaling back medical visa approvals for Bangladesh, citing staff shortages and deteriorating diplomatic ties , six sources revealed. This decision has created an opening for China , which is actively expanding its medical tourism offerings and strengthening its economic ties with Bangladesh.
Declining Medical Visas and Strained Relations India’s affordable private healthcare system and Bengali-speaking medical staff have long been a major draw for Bangladeshi patients, reinforcing bilateral ties and limiting China’s regional influence. In 2023, India issued over 2 million visas to Bangladeshis , the majority for medical treatment. However, since August 2024 , the number of daily medical visas has plummeted to below 1,000 per working day , a sharp decline from the previous 5,000 to 7,000 daily approvals .
Relations between India and Bangladesh have cooled significantly following the ousting of long-time Indian ally Sheikh Hasina and the rise of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus . Hasina, who was forced out in violent protests , sought refuge in New Delhi , but India has yet to respond to Bangladesh’s request for her repatriation for trial . China St.
