Former Indian foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the visa system between Bangladesh and India should be more simplified.

He also said, "I think a lot of Bangladeshis come to India for various purposes including medical treatment and education."

"I don't know the current situation. But when I was there, we increased the number of visas from 5 lakhs to 15 lakhs per year. Now it is 20 lakhs. However, I think the visa process should be eased more. No Bangladeshi should be harassed or face problems in this regard. It is very important to ease the visa process for people-to-people contact between the two countries."

Shringla said these in response to a question from reporters at an event titled "India-Bangladesh Cultural and Commercial Relations" held at a hotel in Kolkata on Friday (February 23).

Replying to another question about the Teesta Agreement, Shringla said: "I will not say anything about the issue. Ask the Ministry of External Affairs."

Speaking on the security of the two countries, Shringla said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's zero-tolerance policy has strengthened India's security, especially in northeastern India. 

He said, "We (India) also pay special attention to the security of Bangladesh. We should not forget that the two countries need to be more responsible in terms of security. No third party should become a headache for India and Bangladesh."

Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "The place where I am residing (Darjeeling) is a very sensitive one. There are four countries' borders in one corridor (Chicken Neck). As a result, India attaches extra importance to this region. The development, facilities and security of the local people in the area are very much needed."

BDST: 1224 HRS, FEB 24, 2024
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