New Delhi: Amidst recurring concerns regarding human rights violations and sexual assault cases, India has sought to restore its tarnished global reputation by inviting influencers from the Muslim world.
According to media reports, India invited a team of 15 content creators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to New Delhi, who specialize in travel, technology, food, and lifestyle.
These social media influencers arrived in India on August 26, at the invitation of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The team’s eight-day trip covers various historical sites in Delhi, prestigious educational institutions, and the Himalayan regions of Leh and Ladakh.
One of the influencers, Celia Elazab, stated that the trip was aimed at breaking some of the negative stereotypes about India. She mentioned, “I believe our visit will change many people’s minds about India. We feel safe here, are eating amazing food, and meeting some of the nicest people.”
The influencers are also engaging with India’s diverse landscape to promote a positive image, especially in the Middle East, where many people only see one side of the country, primarily related to health tourism. This outreach aims to present a broader view of India’s cultural and historical heritage.
The region of Leh and Ladakh, part of the disputed area of Kashmir, is also included in the itinerary. Another influencer, Suhaila Wail, commented on how many Arabs perceive India as dangerous due to traffic and other concerns, but after visiting, they felt completely safe.
