'New visa rules to have no impact on tourism'

Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed argued the new rules are aimed at those having long-term multi-entry visas while tourists undertake visits for short durations.

"Tourists always come here on a short visit. This (new visa regime) will not affect their arrivals," he told PTI while reacting to Tharoor's view that tightening of visa rules would affect inflow of tourists.

In his tweet, Tharoor had wondered whether by tightening of the visa norms, India would allow terrorists to make it a 'less welcoming' destination.

"If the MEA has done it, then it must have taken into account all factors, including safety and security of the country," Ahmed said.

Making light of Tharoor's tweet on visa rule changes, Ahmed dismissed it as a 'joke' and said 'his tweeting should not be taken seriously.'

Under the new rules announced in the backdrop of the arrest of American terror suspect David Headley on the charge of plotting attacks in India, any foreign national holding long-term multiple entry visas will have to take a two-month break before re-entering India.

However, this was amended later with the government saying exception would be made for bona fide travellers if they submit itinerary details.

Tharoor had courted controversy a few months back also when he took a dig at the government's austerity drive in a tweet. He had said that he would travel 'cattle class' out of 'solidarity with all our holy cows.'

Meanwhile, unfazed by reservations from nations like the United States and United Kingdom, the government made it clear that the tighter norms put in place in the wake of David Headley case will not be withdrawn, as national security cannot be compromised with.

The new rules have been formulated after considering all relevant aspects and giving the top most priority to national security, senior home ministry officials said.

Justifying the tightening of rules, they cited changes made by several countries like the US and UK after terror strikes.

They insisted that the government has not received any complaint from any country, including the US or the UK, over the new visa rules, but Washington had sought 'clarity', which have been addressed.

"When some foreign missions based in India sought clarity, we told them that if someone has to worry about tourists' arrival, it is India and not any other nation," the officials said.