In the first concrete sign of a diplomatic reset between India and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi resumed full visa services for Indian citizens on Friday — just three days after Tarikh Rahman was sworn in as Bangladesh's new Prime Minister, signalling the BNP-led government's early intent to repair strained bilateral ties.

Visa and consular services between the two nations had been suspended for nearly two months, following a dramatic deterioration in relations that began in December. The flashpoint was the assassination of anti-India student leader Sharif Fusman Hadi, which triggered large-scale protests in Bangladesh. Anti-India elements exploited the unrest, and a series of violent incidents targeting Hindu minorities — including reported lynchings — pushed diplomatic tensions to a breaking point.

With the Bangladesh High Commission reopening its consular operations on Friday morning, all visa categories — including medical and tourism — have been restored for Indian applicants. Business and work visas had remained functional throughout the suspension period, but the resumption of remaining categories marks a full return to normal consular operations.

New Delhi appears ready to reciprocate. On Thursday, Ani Ruddha Das, India's senior consular officer in Sylhet, confirmed to Bangladeshi media that the process of restoring all visa services for Bangladeshi nationals is already underway. Medical and double-entry visas are currently being issued, with travel and other categories expected to resume shortly.

The diplomatic momentum has been swift since Muhammad Yunus's ouster from power in Dhaka. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended Rahman's swearing-in ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, and personally handed Rahman a letter from Modi along with an invitation to visit India. Whether Rahman will choose New Delhi as his first foreign destination — a tradition that Yunus notably broke by travelling to China — is now being closely watched in diplomatic circles.