NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has issued 30 e-tourist visas under the Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign, an initiative aimed at boosting international tourism through the help of overseas Indians, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said.
The campaign, launched in 2024, asks members of the Indian diaspora to become cultural ambassadors for the country. Each participant is encouraged to invite at least five non-Indian friends to visit India every year. The goal is to increase foreign tourist arrivals by tapping into the influence of over 35 million people of Indian origin living abroad.
Chalo India is part of India’s broader tourism strategy. It builds on the government’s long-standing Incredible India campaign, first introduced in 2002 to promote the country’s rich heritage and diverse attractions.
The new initiative places a strong focus on digital engagement. A dedicated online portal allows diaspora members to register and track the invitations they send. The portal also provides updates on whether those invitations lead to e-tourist visa applications.
There is no limit on how many referrals one person can make. This open-ended model encourages maximum participation and outreach.
While iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal and Jaipur continue to draw tourists, the campaign also highlights lesser-known locations. These include offbeat regional sites, cultural festivals, and heritage monuments that rarely make it to global travel itineraries.
The goal is to spotlight the depth and variety of India’s travel experiences, from spiritual retreats in the Himalayas to vibrant local traditions in the South. This diverse approach aims to expand India’s share in the global tourism market and attract visitors year-round.
The campaign aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for the diaspora to play a more active role in promoting Indian tourism. In response, the Ministry of Tourism has launched promotional events in key international markets. These efforts are supported by Indian embassies and consulates worldwide.
State governments and Union Territory administrations are also involved. They work closely with travel industry partners to create tailored promotional material and experiences for international travelers.
These coordinated efforts aim to present a unified image of India as a welcoming and vibrant destination.
The campaign uses digital platforms to keep participants informed and engaged. The portal simplifies the process of inviting friends, tracking invitations, and monitoring visa outcomes.
This tech-enabled approach makes it easy for the Indian diaspora to stay connected with the initiative and contribute actively. It also helps the government measure the campaign’s impact and refine its strategies.
By blending technology with cultural outreach, India hopes to create a more dynamic and inclusive tourism model.
Although the campaign has just begun, the issuance of 30 e-tourist visas shows that the strategy is already generating interest. Officials expect these numbers to grow as more members of the diaspora join the effort.
Tourism experts believe this grassroots approach could help India stand out in a competitive global market. By turning overseas Indians into promoters, the campaign creates a personal connection between travelers and the country.
With the world slowly returning to international travel, the timing of the campaign is key. India is positioning itself as a top destination by offering not only iconic landmarks but also authentic and local experiences.
Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign represents a fresh vision for tourism in India. It builds on trusted branding, adds modern digital tools, and taps into the power of global Indian communities.
As the campaign gains momentum, it could reshape how India markets itself to the world, making tourism not just a sector but a shared mission across borders. By promoting India’s beauty, history, and culture, the diaspora is helping the country tell its story to a global audience, one invitation at a time.
