Since the change in power in Bangladesh, relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have not been as strong. Under Mohammad Yunus’s leadership, violence against Hindus was widespread, and Bangladesh started moving closer to Pakistan, India’s traditional rival. Now, the Yunus government has taken another step that could be concerning for India—deepening ties with China.
China extends medical support to Bangladesh
In a significant move, China has opened three high-tech hospitals in its Yunnan province specifically for Bangladeshi patients. These hospitals will provide advanced medical treatment to people from Bangladesh, easing their access to healthcare in China.
According to Bangladeshi media outlet ‘Prothom Alo’, officials from Dhaka and Beijing are working together to streamline visa processes, improve medical facilities, and set up translation teams to assist patients. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen stated that if everything proceeds smoothly, the first batch of Bangladeshi patients could begin receiving treatment in China as early as March.
China-Bangladesh medical collaboration expands
During a recent visit to China, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor, Tauhid Hussain, proposed the establishment of a Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital in Dhaka. China is currently waiting for a detailed proposal from Bangladesh on this initiative.
Additionally, as part of its previous commitments, China will provide state-of-the-art medical equipment to aid those injured during the July-August uprisings in Bangladesh. A shipment of 20 advanced robotic medical devices is expected to arrive in Dhaka next month.
The three Chinese hospitals designated for Bangladeshi patients are:
- People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province
- First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
- Fuwai Yunnan Hospital
Why is this a concern for India?
Bangladesh’s decision to send its patients to China for medical treatment may seem like a routine healthcare move, but it has larger geopolitical implications that could be concerning for India.
1. Growing Bangladesh-China ties amid India’s tensions with China: India for long had tense relations with China, especially after the border clashes in recent years. Despite some disengagement between the two armies, China’s strategic moves continue to keep India on high alert. Bangladesh strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties with China adds another layer of concern, as it could lead to greater Chinese influence in South Asia—a region where India has traditionally held sway.
2. Bangladesh strengthening ties with both Pakistan and China: It’s not just China—Bangladesh has also been improving its relations with Pakistan, another long-standing rival of India. The combination of Pakistan and China’s growing influence in Bangladesh could shift the regional power balance, making India wary of any future diplomatic or strategic shifts.
3. Loss of medical tourism revenue for India: For years, a large number of Bangladeshi patients have traveled to India for medical treatment, benefiting both India’s healthcare sector and economic ties with Bangladesh. If many of these patients now choose China over India, it could lead to a significant drop in India’s medical tourism revenue from Bangladesh.
India’s Strategy
Given these developments, India will have to keep a close watch on Bangladesh’s evolving ties with China and Pakistan. Whether this new medical collaboration is simply about healthcare or a stepping stone for deeper strategic ties, only time will tell.
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