National | September 1, 2025
India has witnessed its first decline in travel to the United States in June 2025, breaking a growth streak that lasted for over two decades. The dip highlights the challenges faced by travelers amid global economic uncertainties and increasing logistical hurdles.
According to industry reports, multiple factors contributed to this rare downturn:
- Rising Airfare: Escalating flight costs have discouraged leisure and business travelers alike.
- Visa Delays: Prolonged US visa processing times have disrupted travel plans for students, professionals, and tourists.
- Global Economic Headwinds: Uncertainty in global markets, coupled with a weaker rupee, has dampened international travel appetite.
For the past 20 years, the US has remained one of the top international destinations for Indian travelers—driven by tourism, education, and business opportunities. However, this decline signals a shift in preferences, with destinations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe gaining traction due to affordability and accessibility.
Industry experts suggest that this could be a temporary dip, but warn that unless airfare stabilizes and visa bottlenecks are addressed, the US may see a prolonged slowdown in arrivals from India.
Travel stakeholders are calling for strategic interventions, including improved visa facilitation and airline collaborations, to restore growth. With India’s outbound travel market expanding rapidly, how the US responds to these challenges will determine whether this decline is a blip—or the start of a new trend.
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