March 16, 2026, 4:07 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
India is one of the largest and most diverse travel destinations in the world. Yet, relatively few Germans travel there. India’s Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat wants to change that. In a TRAVELBOOK interview, he explains the significance of the German market for India, how much the country is investing in tourism, and why he hasn’t taken a vacation in 13 years.
TRAVELBOOK: How important is the German market for India’s tourism?
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: “Germany is one of our most important markets. Most international visitors come from the U.S., followed by the United Kingdom. Germany ranks sixth with around 250,000 tourists per year.”
That sounds manageable.
“However, it puts things into perspective when you consider the total number of Germans traveling abroad. That’s precisely why there is great potential for tourism to India. But also vice versa: Germany is an important partner for us because more than 350,000 Indians travel to Germany each year.”
What do you see as the key levers to boost tourism in both directions?
“One challenge is the Schengen visa for Indians who want to travel to Europe. In India, we have already introduced an e-visa system. Almost all countries are included, with only two or three particularly sensitive states excluded. Those who want to travel to India don’t need to go to the embassy. The application can be submitted online, even via mobile phone, and the visa is issued within 48 hours. This has significantly facilitated travel to India. For Indian travelers to Europe, however, the Schengen visa remains an issue. Additionally, connectivity is an even bigger topic.”
So the flight connections between the two countries…
“The number of flights we actually need has not yet been reached. After all, India is a country the size of a continent.”
… and offers a wide variety of attractions and destinations.
“I believe it is probably the most diverse country in the world. We have snow-capped mountains and Blue Flag-certified beaches. Our coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers, as do our mountain ranges. India has deserts and tropical forests and is also culturally extraordinarily rich. It is a civilization that has existed for more than 10,000 years. There are countless archaeological sites, historic forts, and palaces. At the same time, we have modern infrastructure and great potential in wellness tourism, which is particularly interesting for German travelers. We also offer numerous opportunities in medical tourism. No matter what travelers are interested in, India has something for everyone. That’s why we say: India is incredible, and India is for everyone.”
3 Billion Trips a Year: India’s Domestic Tourism Is Booming
You already mentioned the visa. Will there be further simplifications for tourists, especially for Germans?
“We are working on it, not just for Germans, but in general. We are further reforming our visa system to make travel easier. For example, we are shortening the form and reducing the number of required details to simplify the application process. We are also working on offering the visa form in multiple languages. German travelers will then be able to fill it out in German.”
How many tourists travel to India annually?
“The number of international visitors is currently around 20 million per year and continues to grow. India is one of the few countries that has already reached pre-pandemic levels. However, domestic tourism is growing even more dynamically. If you define a trip as a night spent away from one’s own residence, we are now talking about more than three billion trips per year within India.”
What is the reason for this?
“The Indian economy has been steadily growing over the past ten years. At the same time, there has been a massive investment in infrastructure. When Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014, there were 74 operational airports in India. Today, there are around 160. The new airports are among the best in the world. Additionally, more than 31,000 kilometers of new railway lines have been built in recent years. All states and major attractions are connected by rail. Stations and trains are also being modernized. In parallel, we are developing our waterways and have introduced river cruises, for example.”
Angola’s Tourism Minister Márcio Daniel: “Tourism Is the Green Oil of Our Country”
Must-See Places in Guatemala
By 2047, India Aims to Be a Developed Country
Isn’t such a large number of travelers within India still a challenge for the infrastructure?
“Due to the growth of domestic tourism and increasing purchasing power, major chains are building hotels across the country. At the same time, both the central government and the states are offering incentives to hoteliers and investors to invest in tourism infrastructure. The number of hotels is continuously growing. In parallel, we are investing in tourist destinations to enhance the experience for travelers. We are also developing new destinations to relieve existing ones and prevent overcrowding. This is an ongoing process, and we are just at the beginning. Our Prime Minister has set the goal that by 2047, the 100th anniversary of independence, India should be a developed country. We are working towards that.”
Are there destinations in India that you would particularly recommend?
“The government has therefore launched an initiative to specifically develop such places and promote them as alternative travel destinations. Overall, we are currently working on around 50 new destinations across the country, at least one in each of the 28 states. Some regions in the northeast have long been very remote and difficult to access. These regions offer impressive landscapes and a fascinating traditional culture.”
For travelers, safety is a major concern. Are you planning any specific measures here?
“India is one of the safest countries for solo travelers. It is absolutely safe for women traveling alone as well. There is no security threat to travelers.”
India’s Tourism Minister: “Haven’t Taken a Vacation in About 13 Years”
What would you recommend to German travelers for their first trip to India?
“Today, travelers are already very well-informed. Information is always available, directly on the smartphone. On our national tourism website, ‘Incredible India,’ travelers can enter their interests, such as wildlife, and also specify how many days they want to travel. Travel suggestions are then automatically generated. They can be combined and then booked directly through booking platforms.”
Where do you travel when you take a vacation yourself?
“I used to travel a lot across India, often by car. Every year, we traveled as a family, my wife, our three children, and I. We drove across the country and discovered different regions. Today, my position hardly allows for that. I haven’t taken a single vacation in the past 13 years.”
Then let me ask differently: Where will you vacation when you find time again?
“In my home state of Rajasthan. It borders Pakistan. It is the most densely populated desert in the world and at the same time one of the most colorful and culturally rich regions on earth. In my hometown, there is a fort that was built about 850 years ago and is still inhabited today.”