Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla believes that the visa system between Bangladesh and India should be made even more straightforward.
He stated, ‘I believe that many Bangladeshis come to India for various needs, including medical treatment and education. I can’t say for the present, but when I was there, we issued visas from 500,000 to 1.5 million annually. Now it’s 2 million. However, I think the visa process should be made even easier. There shouldn’t be any confusion or problems for Bangladeshis regarding this. It’s crucial that the visa process be made easier for people-to-people contact between the two countries.’
Shringla expressed these views while answering questions from journalists at an event titled ‘India-Bangladesh Cultural and Commercial Relations’ held at a hotel in Kolkata on Friday (February 23).
Regarding questions about the Teesta water-sharing agreement, Shringla gave a clear answer, saying, ‘I won’t comment on this. Ask the Ministry of External Affairs.’
Shringla also spoke about the security issues of the two countries, stating, ‘Due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s zero-tolerance policy, India’s security, especially in the northeast, has strengthened. We (India) also keep a special eye on Bangladesh’s security. We shouldn’t forget our responsibilities regarding security in both countries. No third party should become a headache for India-Bangladesh relations.’
He further stated, ‘Where I am located (Darjeeling) is a very sensitive area. It shares borders with four countries through a corridor (Chicken Neck). As a result, India gives extra importance to this region. Development, local amenities, and security are essential there
