The travel and tourism industry, in India and worldwide, has experienced remarkable growth since the end of the pandemic. According to The Times of India, Indians spent a total of $31.7 billion on trips abroad in the 2024 fiscal year, representing a 25% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, search data from travel platform Booking.com indicates that from January to June 2025, Indians have shown even greater interest in visiting this global hotspot. Scroll down to find out which.

This was the most-searched international travel destination by Indians in the first half of 2025. Find out which

According to Booking.com, Dubai ranked as the most-searched international travel destination by Indians between January and June 2025. Notably, Dubai attracted nearly 10 million visitors in the first half of 2025, with more than ten per cent of them coming from India.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of Dubai among Indian tourists. Flight tickets are affordable, the visa process is simple, and there are countless recreational options available. Visitors can enjoy shopping at luxury malls, marvel at breathtaking views from the top of the Burj Khalifa—the world’s tallest building, embark on a desert safari, experience the excitement of world-class theme parks, or simply relax by the beach.

The UAE’s no-income tax policy attracts many Indians seeking better work opportunities. According to data from the Indian Embassy in the UAE, as of 2024, around 4.3 million Indians reside in the UAE. Approximately 15% of them live in Abu Dhabi, while the rest are spread across the northern Emirates, including Dubai.

Additionally, the data revealed that Japan emerged as the most searched destination within Asia. Booking.com’s statistics from January to June 2025 indicated that Japan ranked among the top searches in 70 per cent of Asian markets, with Tokyo being the most searched city. Interestingly, Japanese travelers primarily searched within their own country, with Seoul as the only foreign city to make it into their top 10 list.

Amidst signs of thaw in the India-US trade deal issues, government officials are likely to travel to America next week. The recent social media post exchanges between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump indicate an improvement in relations following a period of tension.Trade talks are set to resume next week, following a pause triggered by the US imposing additional 25% tariff on India regarding Russian oil purchases. Both leaders are also expected to hold a telephone discussion soon.According to an ET report, Rajesh Agarwal, the chief trade negotiator, will travel to Washington for continued discussions with American officials. A source familiar with the matter quoted in the report indicated the situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding potential US tariff concessions in the coming months.

India-US ties: Signs of thaw

Modi and Trump have expressed mutual goodwill, with the PM responding to the US President’s friendly overture on Wednesday. Trump had earlier referred to the Prime Minister as a “dear friend” and indicated positive developments in the previously stalled trade discussions.“India and the US are close friends,” Modi wrote on X. “I am confident our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest.”

“I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people,” Modi said in response to Trump’s mention of the upcoming telephone conversation.On Wednesday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social stating that he was “pleased to announce India and the US are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations.”Also Read | India-US trade deal: Should India be enthralled by Donald Trump’s outreach to PM Modi?“I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks,” the US President said. “I feel certain there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries!”

Why has the US softened its stance on trade deal talks?

A source told ET that the informal meeting between Russian, Indian and Chinese leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin influenced this moderated stance from Trump. This gathering sparked discussions within pro-Trump circles regarding India-US relations.Notably, in the past ten days, Trump has refrained from claiming credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire arrangement, an issue that previously caused friction with New Delhi.

Friction in ties remains

Reports indicate that Trump has requested European Union authorities to evaluate implementing up to 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, with suggestions to extend similar measures to India.Diplomatic friction has increased following the US implementation of a 25% duty on Indian imports, subsequently increased to 50% due to India’s continued Russian oil procurement.Also Read | Donald Trump wants EU to impose up to 100% tariffs on India, China – but it is unlikely to agree; here’s whyVarious Trump administration officials, including White House adviser Peter Navarro, who maintains scrutiny on India and BRICS, accuse that India’s oil purchases from Russia are supporting Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine.India has maintained its position on strategic independence, explaining that its Russian oil purchases are driven by domestic needs and global price stability considerations.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently affirmed India’s continued Russian oil imports, emphasising that energy decisions follow national interests and economic reasoning rather than external pressure. She noted that the Reserve Bank of India is diversifying its US treasury holdings whilst purchasing gold.