The restriction was introduced after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks when it was found that Pakistan-born US suspect David Headley had breached security norms to visit India several times over three to four years. The Tourism Ministry raised concerns in recent months that a "negative perception" following the move had affected the flow of tourists to India, the Times of India reported. "This decision has been taken to boost tourism in the country," Home Affairs Ministry spokesman KS Dhatwalia said on the decision made just ahead of the country's peak tourist season. India's share of international tourist arrivals in 2011 was a mere 0.64 per cent, the Times said. Foreign tourist arrivals through October this year reached 5.2 million, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared with all of last year, the report said.
The restriction was introduced after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks when it was found that Pakistan-born US suspect David Headley had breached security norms to visit India several times over three to four years. The Tourism Ministry raised concerns in recent months that a "negative perception" following the move had affected the flow of tourists to India, the Times of India reported. "This decision has been taken to boost tourism in the country," Home Affairs Ministry spokesman KS Dhatwalia said on the decision made just ahead of the country's peak tourist season. India's share of international tourist arrivals in 2011 was a mere 0.64 per cent, the Times said. Foreign tourist arrivals through October this year reached 5.2 million, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared with all of last year, the report said.