Indian Tourist Visas Likely to Resume from May 6
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Instead of May 4, businesses in Kolkata’s Park Street are now looking toward May 6. According to sources at South Block, New Delhi may normalize visas for Bangladeshi tourists from Wednesday. An official from South Block, speaking on condition of anonymity, said if everything goes as planned, tourist visas could resume within this month. However, the final decision rests with the Indian Prime Minister's Office.
The official said the relationship between India and Bangladesh is under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a high-level committee is working on the matter. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who leads the committee, has advocated for a swift normalization of ties. The decision also heavily depends on a report from National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
News of this possibility has sparked optimism among business owners in Kolkata’s Park Street and Free School Street vicinities. They believe that the return of Bangladeshi tourists will help their businesses recover.
Following the political transition in Bangladesh, diplomatic distance grew between the two nations, but efforts to normalize relations have intensified. It is believed that this process gained momentum after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office. Recently, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman visited India and held several meetings with Indian officials regarding the normalization of the visa process. On April 7, he also discussed bilateral relations with Ajit Doval in New Delhi.
Officials from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance believe that keeping Bangladesh at a distance is not practical, especially as the Indian economy faces pressure due to conflicts in the Middle East. According to them, restoring diplomatic ties is essential for Indian economic interests, which is why initiatives are being taken to quickly normalize the visa process.
Meanwhile, local businessmen are already feeling the impact. Park Street clothing merchant Md. Adil Khan said that while sales used to reach 200,000 to 300,000 Rupees daily when Bangladeshi tourists were present, they now struggle to reach even 50,000 Rupees. Binod Sau, a rickshaw puller in the same area, said, his daily income has dropped from 1,000–1,200 Rupees to less than 500 Rupees. Popular restaurants like Kasturi, Bhojohori Manna, and Radhuni on Mirza Ghalib Street are also seeing fewer crowds.
Akash Biswas, a businessman at the Gede border, said they have started restocking goods following news of the potential visa normalization. He said that Bangladeshi tourists previously purchased mobile SIM cards, handsets, and various electronics, but business has been stagnant without them. He hopes that trade in the Gede and Majhdia regions will revitalize once relations normalize.
Additionally, an official at the Agartala Land Port, speaking anonymously, stated that a resolution to this end is likely soon. In his view, the situation will become clearer once the voting phases in West Bengal conclude. He said certain directives have been received from New Delhi, suggesting that the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas might be the first to open for tourists after May 6. Subsequently, other land ports in Tripura, West Bengal, and Assam may follow in phases.
