What is wrong with the Indian tourist?

A recent video of some Indian tourists at Paris’ iconic Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre has been breaking the internet. In front of the stunning white-domed church, loved for its panoramic city views, a group of Indian tourists pose for a photograph with a mime artist. Moments later, they begin raising slogans of ‘Jai Maharashtra’, ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai’.  The street performer is visibly uncomfortable, repeatedly signalling them to stop but the group carries on, oblivious of the artist’s unease. The reel posted online, possibly to garner likes, has evoked anything but admiration. The cultural pride on display feels entirely out of context. It comes across as an intrusion into a shared public space.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. In Innsbruck, Austria, a group of 43 Gujarati-Marwari tourists repeatedly urged two street musicians to play Indian music so they could perform garba on a pedestrian street. In two separate clips, one Indian group dressed in yellow breaks into impromptu garba at Burj Khalifa, while another, inspired by a Bollywood movie, starts dancing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Much of the behaviour seems to be prompted by the urge to create and post reels — our national pastime. At one level, these appear to be attempts at capturing fun moments abroad but a series of such videos have left many cringing. While the intention may not be disrespectful, the impact often is.

Some incidents, however, go beyond the limits of decency and point to complete lack of civic sense. In a viral clip, a group of Indian tourists is caught urinating openly at Thailand’s popular Pattaya Beach. Another shows a 41-year-old Indian tourist arrested in Bangkok for threatening people with a pistol-shaped lighter and hurling abuses in a busy street. Yet another video catches an Indian couple (with a child) shoplifting from a roadside vendor in Hoi An, Vietnam, while he was distracted. In a Reddit post, an Indian traveller calls out unruly fellow tourists for queue jumping, fighting, shouting at Vietnam airport and ignoring basic rules.

The frustrating question is: why do some Indian tourists fail to behave responsibly when they travel abroad? While these incidents are certainly not representative of Indian tourists as a whole but even a handful of such acts is enough to tarnish the image of fellow Indians who travel thoughtfully and respectfully. When tourists insist on playing loud music, shouting in public spaces, littering, or disregarding local norms, the behaviour invites disapproval from the locals. Would we welcome similar conduct from foreign tourists in our country?

Many countries are extending visa-free or easier access to Indian passport holders. But with this privilege comes a subtle responsibility: of being a representative of our country. According to the ministry of tourism, around 26 million Indian tourists travel overseas each year. But the number of foreign tourists visiting India remains significantly low despite our country’s diverse culture and rich architectural heritage. When Indians misbehave abroad, they reinforce negative stereotypes and discourage potential tourists from putting India on their travel map.

The next time when tourists in Manali start dancing with their shirts off, don’t just laugh it off. Call out the behaviour. Because tomorrow, these very people will add to the growing list of Indian tourists creating a nuisance abroad.

Dos and don’ts when travelling abroad

Littering on roads or beaches is unacceptable anywhere. Many countries impose strict fines on littering. In Tokyo, fines for littering can range from $450 to $2,700, or even more. According to the Japanese culture of ‘gomi mochikaeri’ (take home your trash), if you generate waste, you are responsible for its disposal. No wonder, the country’s streets are exceptionally clean.

Cross roads only where allowed. In Singapore, jaywalking — defined as crossing within 50 metres of a designated crossing without using it, or crossing on a red signal — is illegal, and attracts a fine of $50 for a first offense with higher penalties for repeat offense.

Carry valid tickets on public transport. In European countries like Norway, Sweden, ticket checks on buses and trains are rare because honesty is assumed. Being caught without one not only attracts fine but also creates a poor impression of the country they belong to.

Understand local laws. What seems harmless at home might be illegal elsewhere. A solo Indian woman traveller to the UK recently spent a night in jail after pepper spray — often used for self-defence in India — was found in her bag. It is classified as a prohibited weapon in the UK under the Firearms Act 1968 (Section 5(1)(b).

Shoplifting is a crime. Period. Whether in India or abroad, it’s theft. If a shop has minimal supervision, such as in many European countries, it is not an open invitation to take what you like.

And last but not the least, practice basic courtesy and patience. Don’t jump queues, talk loudly in public spaces, or argue unnecessarily. Because abroad, every careless act doesn’t just reflect on an individual, it reflects on India.