'Visa procedures between India and Bangladesh should be made easier'

The former Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, has emphasized easing visa issuance procedures between India and Bangladesh.

“I think visas should be easily accessible so that tourists do not face any inconvenience. There should be no delay in obtaining visas,” Shringla, former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, said while addressing an event at Kolkata’s Newtown.

Indo-Bangladesh Friendship Association (IBFA) organized the event titled ‘India-Bangladesh Cultural and Commercial Relations’ on Friday.

Stating that the efforts are underway to increase the number of visas for Bangladeshis. “If successful, it will enhance people-to-people connectivity.”

He also informed that during his tenure as foreign secretary, the number of visas issued had increased from 500,000 to 1.5 million, which now stands at 2 million [annually].

Bangladesh's Minister of Textiles and Jute, Jahangir Kabir Nanak was also present at the event.

Speaking at the event, he said that the India-Bangladesh relationship is a role model for any neighbouring nations in the world.

“The ongoing relationship between India and Bangladesh, bolstered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, will remain intact,” Nanak said.

He hoped to advance the relationship together.