India is not providing medical visas as per the demand or normal for Bangladeshis. In such a situation, China has come forward. The country is offering similar facilities. One of the four sources in Bangladesh said that when a vacuum arises, others will come to fill the gap. He also mentioned that some people are now going to Thailand and China. The sources said on condition of anonymity that India has been issuing less than 1,000 medical visas per working day since August, compared to 5,000 to 7,000 earlier. After India’s long-time ally Sheikh Hasina fled in the face of a coup, an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus took power. After that, relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated sharply. According to official data from both countries, India issued visas to more than 2 million Bangladeshis in 2023, most of which were for medical purposes. Now China is taking advantage of India’s stance. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said a group of Bangladeshis had visited the southwestern province of Yunnan for medical treatment this month to explore the potential of the medical tourism market. Wen said last week that at least 14 of their companies had invested more than $230 million in Bangladesh since the interim government took power, the most of any country during that period. Dr. Yunus, who serves as Bangladesh’s chief adviser, is visiting China this month to meet President Xi Jinping. China is considering opening a friendship hospital in Dhaka and facilitating access for Bangladeshis for medical treatment. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the country is willing to work with Bangladesh to deepen and explore mutual cooperation. He said the cooperation between China and Bangladesh is not aimed at any third party, nor is it influenced by third-party factors. Sources said India’s delayed visa process is alienating not only the Bangladesh government but also the wider public, which could keep India away from Dhaka for a long time. Because Hasina’s team is unlikely to return soon In August, New Delhi evacuated many diplomats and their families from its mission in Bangladesh. Indian government sources said it wanted sick Bangladeshis to receive treatment in India. Moreover, the missions would be staffed once “stability” returns to Bangladesh. Happymon Jacob, a professor of international relations at India’s Jawaharlal Nehru University, said South Asia is undergoing a major strategic shift in which China is becoming one of the biggest players. Source: Reuters
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