Key Takeaways:
- Indian tourists have become known for disruptive behavior abroad, from flash mobs on airport tarmacs to littering in pristine natural sites.
- India was the third-largest applicant for Schengen visas in 2025, highlighting the growing volume of travelers.
- The issue stems from a misunderstanding of global citizenship—respecting local customs, queues, and shared spaces is key to changing perceptions.
All the world's a stage—and Indian tourists seem determined to audition for the lead role wherever they land. Once a payment is made, restraint, courtesy, and self-awareness appear to be optional. Last week's viral reel of a group breaking into a flash garba on the tarmac of a Vietnamese airport offered yet another masterclass in India's global outreach program.
But this was not an isolated case. Indians are well known for turning pristine Alpine snowfields into garbage dumps and haggling with flight attendants for "just one more drink." Many explanations have been offered for this "my way or the highway" national habit.
The Rise of Indian Travel
India is now the third-largest applicant for Schengen visas, a testament to the country's growing economic power and wanderlust. With more disposable income than ever before, Indians are exploring the world in unprecedented numbers. However, this surge in travel has brought with it a spotlight on behavior that often clashes with local norms.
What Drives the Behavior?
A newly acquired economic swagger? Entitlement? Chronic shortage of civic sense? These are convenient diagnoses, but they miss the larger point. The real problem lies in a spectacular misunderstanding of what it means to be a citizen, especially a global citizen.
The Cost of Poor Reputation
Global citizenship comes at a cost. But the currency isn't money. It's respect for local customs, shared spaces, queues, silence when called for, and the radical idea that other people exist. Until we understand that foreign countries are not extensions of our drawing rooms or dress rehearsals for big fat Indian weddings, we will continue to earn a reputation as Bharat's boorish brats.
This reputation can have real-world consequences. Frequent visa rejections, stricter scrutiny at borders, and a general wariness among hosts can all stem from the actions of a few. For frequent travelers and businesspeople, this can be a significant setback.
What Can Be Done?
- Educate before traveling: Many travelers are unaware of local customs. Pre-departure briefings could help.
- Lead by example: Influencers and travel bloggers can showcase respectful behavior.
- Enforce consequences: Hotels, airlines, and tour operators should have clear policies for misconduct.
The Bigger Picture
It's not about shaming anyone—it's about recognizing that travel is a privilege, not a right. As Indians continue to explore the world, the need for responsible tourism has never been greater. The goal is not to stop having fun but to do so without alienating the very people who welcome us.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." – Saint Augustine
But if we scribble all over that page, we risk being removed from the library altogether.
Outlook
The path forward is clear: embrace global citizenship with humility. The Schengen visa application numbers show that the world is open to Indians—but that openness must be met with responsibility. The next time an Indian tourist boards a plane, they carry not just their luggage but the reputation of a billion people.
Let's make it a good one.