Racism against Indians in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Indians are increasingly becoming targets of hostility. Several studies also suggest that anti-Indian sentiment online has multiplied. Social media attacks frequently accuse Indians of "stealing American jobs," particularly during policy debates surrounding skilled-worker visa programs such as the H-1B.
Viral videos also show Indian immigrants being told to "go back to India" or facing public humiliation over immigration policies. All these instances prove that a single perception about India has now become common and it isn't just related to appearance. They are targetted for their behaviours at particular places, which is further fueled by stereotypes.
Couple Faces Racist Abuse In US
Recently, a video from the US had gone viral on social media, showing an Indian couple allegedly facing a racist and unprovoked confrontation by a stranger. The clip triggered outrage online and fresh discussion about racism and xenophobia faced by immigrants. nIn the video, a man sitting inside a car asks the couple if they are from India. When the couple replies “yes,” he questions them about whether India is better than the US and why they are in the US if they prefer India.
The husband then responded calmly, saying both countries have their own strengths. When he further explained that they are in the US to explore the world, the man reacted aggressively. He told them to “go home” and used abusive language. The clip triggered outrage online and fresh discussion about racism and xenophobia faced by immigrants. A user wrote, "“Beautiful, I enjoyed this, it's my guilty pleasure- this and dark chocolate, nothing else gives me so much dopamine as raw unfiltered racism.”
Garba on Vietnam Airport Tarmac
Similarly, a video of Indian tourists performing garba on an airport tarmac in Vietnam had also gone viral on social media. The clip sparked a mix of humour, admiration, and criticism online, with many questioning the behaviour near a parked aircraft in a restricted airport area. Several international users also called out the behaviour of Indian tourists, writing displeasing comments.
Dance At Hanoi Train Street
A recent video of Indian tourists dancing to Bollywood song Chaiyya Chaiyya on Hanoi's historic Train Street also generated significant public backlash. The incident has intensified global discussions regarding proper travel etiquette and the consequences of prioritizing social media content over local safety rules.
Why Indians Are Facing Racism At Tourist Places ?
One reason Indian tourists may be receiving more attention is that more Indians are traveling abroad than ever before. As a result, both the positive and negative behaviour of Indian travellers is becoming more visible. Social media also helps spread incidents that can reinforce existing stereotypes.
Indian tourists have become unpopular in some places because of perceptions about certain behaviours. Some Indians also face racism due to social and cultural biases that exist in certain societies. However, these stereotypes do not apply to all Indians, and most Indian travelers behave respectfully and responsibly.
Like other countries that overcame negative stereotypes, Indian travellers can strengthen India's image abroad through respectful and culturally sensitive behaviour.
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