India suspends visa services across Bangladesh indefinitely amid rising anti-India rhetoric, security threats, and protests targeting Indian diplomatic missions, signalling a tougher diplomatic stance as New Delhi prioritises safety and regional stability.
India has indefinitely suspended operations at all Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The decision comes amid rising anti-India rhetoric, security concerns surrounding Indian diplomatic missions, and a series of provocative statements by political figures in Dhaka that New Delhi has described as extremist and destabilising.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that visa services across Bangladesh have been halted as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of Indian personnel, infrastructure, and applicants. Officials indicated that the suspension would remain in effect until further notice, pending a review of the evolving security situation on the ground.
The immediate trigger for the latest diplomatic strain was a set of public remarks made by Hasanath Abdullah, a senior leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party. In his statements earlier this week, Abdullah made sharp anti-India comments and went a step further by suggesting that Bangladesh could provide shelter to anti-India separatist groups. He also claimed that such groups could be leveraged to undermine India’s northeastern region, often referred to as the Seven Sisters.
India reacted strongly to these remarks. On Tuesday, the MEA summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to formally convey New Delhi’s deep concern. According to an official MEA statement, the High Commissioner was informed about India’s serious apprehensions over the prevailing security environment, particularly in light of what the ministry termed “incendiary and provocative statements by extremist elements in Dhaka.”
The MEA further noted that these remarks included calls for vandalism and aggressive actions against Indian diplomatic establishments, which New Delhi considers unacceptable and a direct threat to diplomatic norms and international obligations.
Against this backdrop, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) announced the immediate suspension of visa services in Bangladesh, effective from 2 pm on Wednesday. In a public notice, the IVAC stated that all applicants who had booked appointments for the day or subsequent dates would be required to reschedule once services resume.
A specific notice published on the IVAC website confirmed that the Jamuna Future Park centre in Dhaka would close operations from 2 pm onwards due to the deteriorating security situation. The closure coincided with announcements of a protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your notice that IVAC Jamuna Future Park, Dhaka, will be closed from 2 pm today,” the notice said. It added that fresh appointment dates would be issued to affected applicants at a later stage.
The suspension came as a group identifying itself as “July Oikya” announced a protest march to the Indian High Commission later in the day. Organisers said the programme, titled “March to Indian High Commission,” was scheduled to begin at 3 pm from Rampura Bridge in Dhaka.
Protest leaders claimed the demonstration was aimed at highlighting a range of political grievances, including opposition to what they described as India’s influence in Bangladesh. They also objected to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates allegedly taking shelter in India following her removal from power.
Tensions were further heightened after demonstrations were held outside the Indian High Commission in Dhaka earlier in the week, during which protesters raised anti-India slogans. Indian officials said these developments raised serious concerns about the security of diplomatic personnel and facilities.
India operates a total of 22 visa application centres across Bangladesh, collectively processing approximately 2.2 million visa applications every year. Bangladesh is one of the largest sources of Indian visa applicants globally, with a significant number of people travelling to India for medical treatment, education, business, religious tourism, and family visits.
The indefinite suspension of visa services is expected to have a substantial impact on cross-border movement, particularly affecting patients seeking medical care in India, students enrolled in Indian institutions, and business travellers.
Diplomatic sources in New Delhi emphasised that the move was precautionary rather than punitive. They said India remains committed to maintaining stable bilateral relations but will not compromise on the safety of its missions or personnel.
Officials added that the situation is being closely monitored and that visa services could be restored once adequate security assurances are in place. However, they cautioned that any further escalation or threats against Indian interests could prompt additional diplomatic measures.
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The closure of visa offices underscores a broader shift in India’s diplomatic posture, signalling that New Delhi is prepared to respond firmly to security challenges and hostile rhetoric while recalibrating its engagement with Dhaka in a rapidly changing political environment.
