India to Launch E-Medical Visa Facility for Bangladesh Nationals (GS Paper 2, Polity & Governance)
Introduction
- In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on June 22, 2024, that India will introduce an e-medical visa facility for Bangladeshi nationals seeking medical treatment in India.
- This announcement was made during a meeting between the Indian and Bangladeshi delegations in the national capital.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently on a two-day state visit to India.
- During their meeting at Hyderabad House, PM Modi and PM Hasina addressed the media, emphasizing the special nature of this visit.
- PM Modi highlighted that PM Hasina is the first state guest during the third tenure of the NDA government, underlining the importance of Bangladesh in India's Neighbourhood First policy, Act East Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Indo-Pacific vision.
E-Medical Visas and New Consulate in Rangpur
- The new e-medical visa facility aims to streamline the process for Bangladeshi nationals coming to India for medical treatment.
- Additionally, India will open a new Assistant High Commission in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to provide consular services to people in the northwest region of the country, further strengthening the connectivity between the two nations.
Cooperation and Development Initiatives
PM Modi and PM Hasina discussed several joint developmental projects and initiatives that have been completed in the past year. These include:
- Trade in Indian Rupees: India and Bangladesh have commenced trading in Indian Rupees, facilitating easier and more efficient transactions.
- Electricity Export: India is exporting electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh using the Indian grid, showcasing regional cooperation.
- Ganga River Treaty: The two countries will start technical-level talks to renew the Ganga River treaty, ensuring sustainable water management.
- Teesta River Management: A technical team will visit Bangladesh to review the protection and management of the Teesta River.
Enhanced Connectivity
Several connectivity projects have been launched to improve trade and transportation between India and Bangladesh:
- Sixth Rail Link: A new rail link between Jakhoda and Agartala has been inaugurated, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
- Cargo Services: Cargo services have been initiated for India's northeastern states using the Khulna-Mongla Port in Bangladesh.
- River Cruise: The world's longest river cruise on the Ganges River between India and Bangladesh has been successfully completed.
- Friendship Pipeline: The first cross-border friendship pipeline between India and Bangladesh has been completed, further boosting energy cooperation.
Future Prospects
- Both leaders expressed their commitment to developing a futuristic vision for cooperation in new sectors.
- Agreements on green partnership, digital partnership, blue economy, and space are expected to benefit the youth of both countries.
- Emphasizing "Connectivity, Commerce, and Collaboration," PM Modi announced that both sides are ready to initiate talks on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to bolster economic ties.
Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite
- PM Modi also mentioned the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Satellite, which will elevate the relationship between the two countries to new heights.
- This satellite will enhance connectivity, commerce, and collaboration, reflecting the restored connectivity that existed before 1965.
- The focus will now be on digital and energy connectivity to accelerate the economic growth of both nations.
Conclusion
- The meeting between PM Modi and PM Hasina marks a significant step in reinforcing the strong ties between India and Bangladesh.
- The introduction of the e-medical visa facility, along with various developmental projects and initiatives, underscores the commitment of both nations to work together for mutual growth and prosperity.
