A recent incident at the Sadakhlo border crossing between Armenia and Georgia has brought allegations of racial profiling and mistreatment of Indian tourists to the forefront. Dhruvee Patel, one of 56 Indian travelers, shared a harrowing account on social media, detailing the "inhumane behavior" they allegedly endured at the hands of Georgian authorities. Despite possessing valid e-visas and necessary documentation, the group was reportedly subjected to prolonged detention, harsh conditions, and disrespectful treatment.

Patel's post described how the group was forced to wait for over five hours in freezing temperatures without access to food or toilet facilities. Their passports were confiscated for more than two hours with no explanation, and they were made to sit on the footpath "like cattle" while officials filmed them. The tourists were allegedly prohibited from filming the incident themselves. Patel condemned the treatment as "shameful and unacceptable," tagging Indian authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging them to intervene.

This incident is not isolated, as a growing number of Indian travelers have taken to social media to share similar experiences of alleged racial profiling and harsh treatment by Georgian authorities. Stories of young Indian men being pulled aside for "random checks," grilled at Tbilisi airport, or even denied entry despite valid documents have become increasingly common. Some tourists have reported being held for hours and asked invasive questions before ultimately being sent back on the same flight.

One Reddit user recounted a similar experience, suggesting that "mostly middle eastern/East Asians are denied entry in Georgia," questioning whether Georgians would treat German or Spanish travelers similarly. While some speculate that this profiling is a result of Georgia's efforts to curb illegal immigration, many feel that it unfairly targets genuine tourists.

Similar instances of mistreatment have been reported earlier. An Indian medical student, Suman, was detained at the airport in Tbilisi, allegedly handcuffed, assaulted, and mocked for his skin color before being deported within 48 hours, despite holding a valid Georgian visa. Rajesh, another Indian tourist, was also detained upon arrival despite having a valid e-visa and return ticket and was subsequently deported without explanation. These incidents and others have prompted concerns about "unspoken racial profiling" in Georgia's migration policies.

An immigration lawyer in Tbilisi observed an increase in deportations affecting Indian and Pakistani nationals, even those with valid visas, attributing it to arbitrary enforcement. Some South Asian medical students in Georgia have voiced concerns about xenophobia and racism, which has diminished their perception of the country.

The Indian government has yet to issue a formal statement or travel advisory in response to these reports. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not publicly addressed the allegations of racial profiling or mistreatment, leaving many Indian students and families feeling unsupported.

These accounts paint a troubling picture for Indian travelers to Georgia, suggesting that the country is fast becoming a sour trip for Indians. While Georgia has become a popular destination due to its scenic beauty and affordable travel, these incidents of alleged racial profiling and mistreatment cast a shadow over the experience, leaving bitter memories for those affected.