A group of 56 Indian tourists were allegedly subjected to “most inhuman behaviour” by Georgian border officials while trying to enter Georgia from Armenia’s Sadakhlo border. According to Dhruvee Patel, who shared her experience on Instagram, the group faced prolonged detention exceeding five hours in freezing conditions without access to food, toilets, or communication.
Their passports were confiscated for over two hours, and officials reportedly filmed them “like criminals” while forbidding them from recording. Indian authorities have been informed and are seeking clarification. The travellers and netizens are demanding accountability.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Humiliation
In a viral Instagram post, Dhruvee Patel detailed the group’s ordeal, saying they were forced to sit on the footpath “like cattle” in cold weather with no food or washroom facilities. Despite presenting valid e-visas and all required documents, the travellers’ applications were dismissed without proper verification, with officials declaring their visas “wrong.” Passports were withheld for over two hours, and the group was barred from using phones or filming the incident, even as border officials recorded them.
Several detainees included children and elderly people, adding to the distress. Patel tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to urge a strong government response. The post condemned the treatment as “shameful and unacceptable.”
Public Reaction and Historical Context
The incident has stirred widespread outrage among the Indian diaspora and travellers on social media, with many sharing similar stories of racial profiling and mistreatment at Georgian and other Eastern European borders. Some users called for a boycott of Georgian tourism, pointing to scams and systemic racism. Others recounted more positive experiences but acknowledged difficulties at immigration checkpoints.
Comments reflected frustration at recurring troubles despite warnings. An immigration lawyer in Tbilisi noted that Indians and Pakistani nationals have faced arbitrary detentions and deportations with little explanation, suggesting possible systemic bias. The Sadakhlo border, a major Armenia-Georgia crossing, has witnessed past accusations of discriminatory practices against South Asian travellers.
Official Responses and Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Georgian authorities have yet to publicly address the allegations. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Yerevan and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are reportedly following up closely, seeking detailed information and assurances about the treatment of Indian citizens.
While no official statement has been issued, government officials are expected to engage with Georgian counterparts to resolve the matter and safeguard Indian travellers’ rights. The incident underscores the challenges Indian tourists may face abroad despite adhering to visa and travel requirements and the importance of diplomatic vigilance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The alleged treatment of Indian travellers at the Georgian border raises urgent concerns about respect, dignity, and human rights during international travel. No person should endure humiliation, deprivation of basic needs, or arbitrary detention based on nationality.
While sovereign states have the right to enforce their immigration laws, this must be balanced with principles of fairness and humanitarian standards. The Logical Indian believes in fostering peaceful dialogue and empathy between nations and urges swift, transparent investigations into such incidents to prevent recurrence.
