India cafes face allegations of excluding Indian citizens

Reports have surfaced regarding allegations that certain cafes and social spaces in India, catering primarily to Israeli tourists, are restricting entry to Indian citizens and other non-Israeli travelers.

In regions like Kasol, Himachal Pradesh—often referred to as ‘Mini Israel’ due to a long-standing influx of Israeli backpackers—specific establishments have faced scrutiny. One such venue, Free Kasol Cafe, was previously highlighted following allegations that it denied service to Indian customers under the guise of being a ‘members only’ establishment.

Activist Shrishti Khanna has characterized these alleged ‘Israelis-only’ spaces along the so-called ‘Hummus Trail’ as exclusionary. Khanna claims that these practices create a hierarchy of power and has compared the alleged treatment of Indians in these venues to forms of colonization and apartheid. She noted that while the exclusion initially targeted Indians, some spaces have reportedly begun turning away other white travelers as well.