India will initiate an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced following a meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi delegations in New Delhi on Saturday.
This new service aims to streamline the visa application process for medical tourists from Bangladesh, ensuring easier and faster access to India's healthcare facilities. This step is expected to significantly enhance medical tourism and further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
India's plan to open a new consulate in Rangpur, Bangladesh, aims to enhance the consular services available to people in the north-western region of Bangladesh. This strategic move is expected to provide various services such as visa issuance, cultural exchanges, and assistance to Indian nationals in that area. The consulate's establishment will likely strengthen diplomatic ties and foster closer relations between India and Bangladesh, promoting greater connectivity and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
After their Saturday meeting at Hyderabad House, the two prime ministers gave a press conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the recent meeting with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting that this visit is special as she is the first state guest of India's third NDA government tenure. He noted their frequent meetings, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
India will launch an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India, simplifying and expediting the visa process for medical tourists.
Key announcements and developments from the meeting include:
E-Medical Visas: India will launch an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India, simplifying and expediting the visa process for medical tourists.
New Consulate in Rangpur: India will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to better serve people in the northwest part of the country, enhancing consular services and support.
Trade in Indian Rupees: India and Bangladesh have commenced trading in Indian Rupees, facilitating smoother bilateral trade.
Electricity Export: India highlighted the export of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid, demonstrating regional cooperation.
Ganga River Treaty and Teesta River Management: The two countries will start technical talks for the renewal of the Ganga River treaty, and a technical team will visit Bangladesh to review the management and protection of the Teesta River.
Rail and Cargo Links: The sixth rail link between India and Bangladesh, from Jakhoda to Agartala, has been inaugurated, along with cargo services for northeastern Indian states through the Khulna-Mongla Port.
Longest River Cruise: The world's longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been completed, enhancing tourism and connectivity.
Friendship Pipeline: The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed, strengthening energy connectivity.
New Sectors of Cooperation: The two countries have developed a futuristic vision for cooperation in new sectors, including green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space, which will benefit the youth of both nations.
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Talks will begin to establish a CEPA to further bolster economic ties.
Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite: This initiative will elevate the relationship between the two countries, focusing on digital and energy connectivity to accelerate economic growth.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that in the last decade, connectivity that existed before 1965 has been restored, and future efforts will focus even more on digital and energy connectivity. He also mentioned the shared management of 54 rivers connecting India and Bangladesh, with ongoing cooperation in flood management, early warning systems, and drinking water projects.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India underscores the strong and evolving partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
