India visa process to normalize soon: FM

India's visa process for Bangladeshi citizens is easier and will return to normal soon after overcoming the current stagnation, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said.

He gave this information in response to a written question from Kishoreganj-5 MP Sheikh Mujibur Iqbal in the session of the National Parliament on Tuesday (April 28). Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed presided over the session.

The Foreign Minister said that Bangladesh's current relations with neighboring countries in South Asia, including India, are moving forward on the basis of cordiality, friendship and solidarity. The main foundation of this relationship is common values, historical connections and mutual bonds of people.

He said that the current government is working to further strengthen bilateral relations with India, keeping national interests intact on the basis of sovereign equality, fairness and mutual respect.

Noting that effective initiatives have already been taken to resolve visa-related complications, the Minister said that during his recent visit to India, he had fruitful discussions with the country's Foreign Minister, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister and National Security Advisor.

He further said that the meetings emphasized the need to normalize the travel and business visa process for Bangladeshi citizens. As a positive outcome of these discussions, relief in obtaining visas will return very soon.