18 Countries That Do Not Allow Indians to Enter Without VISA, But India Let Them In. Why?

The news that the Indian Passport is ranked 82nd triggered me to write this article.

Let me start with an example. Your neighbour do a thorough checking on you or your family member before letting you enter his house. Will you let your neighbour enter your house without check?

If you answer yes, don't read this article; it is useless.

But if you have self-respect and will treat your neighbours equally, read this article. It focuses on one thing: the lack of self-respect in the Indian governments—Congress, Janata Party, and BJP—to negotiate for equal treatment, which has been continuing for several years!

I believe India will be a great and powerful country when those 18 countries above respect and value Indian citizens in the same way their citizens get from India.

Why it Matters & Moreso Now!

In an era of globalization and interconnectedness, the ease of international travel has become crucial in fostering cultural exchange, business relationships, and global understanding. However, a glaring disparity exists in the treatment of Indian citizens compared to their counterparts from many developed nations when it comes to visa policies. This imbalance highlights the inequalities in the global travel landscape and raises questions about reciprocity and mutual respect between nations.

With its rich cultural heritage, booming economy, and significant global diaspora, India has long been a welcoming destination for travellers worldwide. The country offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival facilities to citizens of numerous nations, particularly those from developed countries. This openness reflects India's commitment to global engagement and its recognition of the benefits that international visitors bring to its shores.

Why Continue the Generosity That Is Not Reciprocated?

However, this generosity is often not reciprocated. Many of the same countries that enjoy easy access to India impose strict visa requirements on Indian citizens. This disparity creates a two-tiered system of global mobility, where the passport one holds determines the level of freedom and respect one receives at international borders.

Let's examine some specific examples of this imbalance:

United States: While U.S. citizens can obtain an e-Visa for India with relative ease, Indian citizens face a complex and often lengthy process to secure a U.S. visa. The application procedure involves extensive documentation, interviews, and significant fees, with no approval guarantee.

United Kingdom: British nationals enjoy visa-free access to India for short stays, but Indian citizens must navigate a stringent visa application process for any visit to the UK, regardless of duration or purpose.

European Union: Most EU countries offer visa-free entry to their citizens visiting India, yet Indian passport holders must obtain Schengen visas for even short trips to the EU, involving substantial paperwork and processing times.

Australia and New Zealand: These countries benefit from e-Visa facilities for their citizens visiting India. However, Indian travellers face strict visa requirements and often lengthy processing times for visits Down Under.

Japan and South Korea: While citizens of these Asian economic powerhouses can enter India with minimal fuss, Indian nationals must secure visas in advance to visit these countries.

Nobody Bothered About Visa Imbalance & Disrespect of Common Indian Citizen

Before PM

came to power, nobody bothered or was interested in the tour taken by the Prime Minister of India. However, Modiji's tour outside India drew considerable attention from Indian citizens and Indians abroad. Count me in, too! I often saw videos, claims, and speeches by respected PMs and external affairs ministers (EAM), Sri S Jayshankar.

) Hearing the claim of how great and superpower India has become now really gives me pleasant jolts.

Still, when you confront reality, it looks like all those countries and our governments, too (since Independence ), did nothing to sort out this imbalance.

Impact of Visa Inequality

The current visa imbalance overlooks the substantial contributions of the Indian diaspora to many of these developed nations. Indian immigrants and their descendants have played pivotal roles in driving innovation, economic growth, and cultural diversity in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Despite these contributions, the visa policies of these nations continue to treat Indian citizens with undue suspicion and bureaucratic hurdles.

The impact of this visa inequality extends beyond individual inconvenience. It affects India's economic interests, hinders cultural exchange, and perpetuates outdated stereotypes. Indian businesses seeking to expand globally face obstacles in sending representatives for meetings or conferences. Students and academics miss out on valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning. Even tourism suffers as spontaneous travel becomes virtually impossible for Indian citizens.

What can we do?

The path to rectifying this situation lies in reciprocity and mutual respect. India's visa policies towards these developed nations demonstrate a level of trust and openness that should be reciprocated. A more balanced approach to visa policies would not only benefit Indian travelers but also foster stronger bilateral relations and enhance people-to-people connections.Several steps could be taken to address this imbalance:

1. India should engage in robust diplomatic discussions with these countries to push for more equitable visa arrangements. Emphasizing the principle of reciprocity, India could negotiate for visa-free or visa-on-arrival facilities for its citizens, mirroring the treatment it offers to theirs.
2. As India's economic importance grows, it should leverage its increasing market power in these negotiations. The prospect of enhanced trade and investment could incentivize partner countries to reconsider their visa policies.
3. Even if blanket visa-free access is not immediately feasible, partner countries could consider easing restrictions for specific categories of travellers, such as business visitors, students, or tourists with a compliance history.
4. As a last resort, India could consider implementing reciprocal visa requirements for citizens of countries that maintain stringent policies towards Indians. While this might seem counterproductive, it could serve as a wake-up call and a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.

This reciprocity in visa policies would unleash numerous benefits. It would facilitate greater business collaborations, allowing Indian entrepreneurs and professionals to seize global opportunities more readily. Academic and cultural exchanges would flourish, enriching both India and partner countries with diverse perspectives and innovations. Tourism would see a boost, with Indian travelers more likely to explore these countries, contributing to their economies and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Moreover, equitable visa policies would send a powerful message about the changing dynamics of global power and influence. It would acknowledge India's rise not just in economic terms, but in terms of the caliber and trustworthiness of its citizens. This recognition could pave the way for more balanced and mutually respectful international relationships across various domains.

As we look to the future, the vision of Indian citizens receiving the same warm welcome and respect abroad that India extends to foreign visitors is not just a dream but a necessary step towards a more equitable and interconnected world. The day this vision becomes reality will indeed be a great day for India and a landmark moment in the journey towards true global citizenship.

If you liked the article, please share it with your friends and also give your opinion.