Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Skips Direct Query on Bilateral Ties with Bangladesh in Rajya Sabha

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, declined to provide a written response in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding specific measures taken by the Indian government to enhance relations with Bangladesh. While the minister addressed three other queries posed by opposition members from West Bengal, he omitted any formal reply concerning the strategy for diplomatic advancement with Dhaka.

The questions were submitted by Trinamool Congress member and former West Bengal police chief Rajeev Kumar. His inquiry encompassed broader topics, including cross-border connectivity, visa protocols, and the overall status of bilateral ties. Specifically, Kumar had requested detailed information on the initiatives currently being pursued by the Indian government to strengthen diplomatic and economic engagement with Bangladesh.

In his submission, Kumar also sought clarification on whether the Indian government is considering alternatives to the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) initiative to facilitate the transport of goods from India’s mainland to its northeastern states via the Bangladeshi road network.

In response to broader questions regarding connectivity, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that discussions remain ongoing to advance cross-border infrastructure projects. The ministry highlighted that these efforts are focused on improving transport links between India’s northeastern region and the rest of the country, upgrading rail and road networks, and expanding bilateral trade.

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Addressing concerns regarding visa processing for Bangladeshi citizens, the ministry clarified that each application is vetted on an individual basis. The processing timeline is determined by the documentation provided by the applicant and, where necessary, through personal interviews.

The ministry emphasized that medical visas are accorded the highest priority, with such applications typically processed within five to six working days following submission, subject to the verification of hospital invitation letters. Furthermore, officials noted that Indian Visa Application Centers in Bangladesh are tasked with providing guidance to applicants, resolving procedural discrepancies, and ensuring that applications meeting all stipulated requirements are expedited.