Tourism Connects Nations More Than Diplomacy, Says India's EAM Jaishankar at FAITH Conclave
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said tourism connects nations more than diplomacy; urged industry leaders to see their work as part of India’s global outreach; highlighted heritage and wellness initiatives as drivers of international interest; and pointed to infrastructure growth, government schemes, and India’s G20 Presidency as catalysts for the sector’s expansion.
 |
| Image Source: FM on X |
He cited the inclusion of the Maratha military landscapes and Moidams of Assam on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with earlier recognitions such as Shantiniketan, Jaipur City and Dholavira, and intangible cultural heritage listings including Garba, Durga Puja and Kumbh Mela. These, he said, were part of sustained efforts to make India’s heritage more visible to the world.
The minister noted that India’s wellness offerings, AYUSH practices, International Day of Yoga, millet promotion and “Heal in India” medical tourism campaign had added new dimensions to the sector, alongside increased use of social media by influencers and content creators.
He said the last decade had seen the number of airports in India double, railways expand and improve, highways upgraded, and hospitality capacity grow through hotels, homestays, eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Schemes such as UDAN and PRASHAD had, he added, made travel more affordable and rejuvenated pilgrimage destinations.
Recalling India’s G20 Presidency, Jaishankar said hosting meetings near heritage sites across all states gave foreign delegates new exposure to India’s cultural and geographical diversity, and that the impressions formed during those visits would serve the country well in the future.
He linked tourism to economic growth, job creation, skills development and the promotion of “Brand India,” and concluded by describing it as a contributor to cultural pride, national integration and resilience in the face of global uncertainty.