India Resumes Tourist Visas for Bangladesh After August 2024 Suspension; Services Begin June 28

India has announced the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals after a two-year suspension, marking a significant step towards restoring normal bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries. The announcement was made on Thursday by India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, during his visit to the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka. Tourist visa applications will resume from June 28 at five visa centres, including the main centre in Dhaka.

The suspension of tourist visas was imposed in August 2024 following political unrest in Bangladesh and the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. The decision to restart visa services reflects growing diplomatic efforts by both countries to rebuild relations after a prolonged period of uncertainty. The reopening of tourist visa applications is expected to facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges and ease travel between the two nations.

The announcement came shortly after High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi presented his credentials to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, the official presidential residence in Dhaka. The visa announcement was the first major policy decision made by Trivedi after formally assuming his diplomatic responsibilities. He had arrived in Bangladesh on June 12 through the Petrapole-Benapole land border before beginning his official engagements.

Also Read: Bangladesh Finds India's Explanation Inadequate After PM Adviser's Airport Detention Episode

Efforts to normalise visa services have gathered pace in recent months. Bangladesh resumed issuing visas to Indian citizens across all categories following the swearing-in of the Tarique Rahman-led government in February this year. During Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman's visit to India in April, the restoration of full visa services was among the key issues discussed, with Dhaka urging New Delhi to reciprocate by reopening tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals.

All Bangladesh visa centres in India, including the High Commission in New Delhi and consular offices in Kolkata, Agartala, Mumbai and Chennai, have remained operational. The resumption of Indian tourist visas is expected to restore balance in bilateral travel arrangements while supporting tourism, family visits, business interactions and educational exchanges between the two countries.

Dinesh Trivedi succeeds Pranay Kumar Verma, who served as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh for four years until May 2026. His appointment was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on April 27. Before taking charge in Dhaka, Trivedi expressed confidence that India and Bangladesh would continue strengthening their partnership based on shared democratic values, mutual interests and strong people-to-people ties. The latest visa decision is being viewed as an important milestone in that process and could pave the way for broader cooperation across multiple sectors.

Also Read: Shipping Continues Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Regional Security Concerns