There has been a major drop in the number of Bangladeshi tourists visiting India ever since the quota reform protests, which resulted in scores of deaths and ultimately led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing from Bangladesh to India.
In July 2024, as tensions escalated, there was a 20% decrease in the number of Bangladeshi tourists compared to July 2023. In August, the drop was even more pronounced, with a 30% decrease compared to August 2023.
In 2023, approximately 21 lakh Bangladeshi tourists visited India. However, until August 2024, only 12 lakh Bangladeshi tourists came to India. In response to a question raised in Parliament about the "influx of Bangladeshi tourists," the Union Ministry of Tourism stated that it had not conducted any study to assess the impact of the influx of Bangladeshi tourists on the local economy and tourism industry in India. The ministry also mentioned that it does not maintain records on state-wise or "attraction-wise" tourist arrivals from Bangladesh, despite being asked whether certain tourist attractions in India are particularly popular among visitors from Bangladesh.
India had been a key destination for over 40% of Bangladeshi tourists before the July crisis. Medical tourism accounted for the vast majority of Bangladeshi tourists coming to India.
In 2023, medical tourism from Bangladesh to India reportedly experienced a significant increase of 48%. The drop in the number of Bangladeshi tourists is expected to have a devastating effect on Indian cities like Kolkata.
The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power following the stepping down of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, Bangladesh.